"If that is the case, you will soon be cleared," said Captain Bedell.
And the boys soon were. There was no doubt but that the two letters were in the same hand. And when it was explained what part the suspected German had played aboard the steamer and cables from America to the United States consul had vouched for the boys, they were set free with apologies.
And what pleased them still more was Captain Bedell's announcement:
"I also have the pleasure to inform you that the permits allowing you to go to the front have been received. They came yesterday, but, of course, under the circumstances I could not tell you."
"Then may we get on the firing line?" asked Blake.
"As soon as you please. We will do all we can to speed you on your way. It is all we can do to repay for the trouble you have had."
"These are war times, and one can't be too particular," responded Joe. "We don't mind, now that we can get a real start."
"I'd like to get at that fake Jew and the Frenchman who spoiled the films!" murmured Charles.
"Charlie can forgive everything but those spoiled films," remarked Blake, with a chuckle.
"We will try to apprehend the two men," promised Captain Bedell, "but I am afraid it is too late. It may seem strange to you that we held you on the mere evidence of a letter from a man we did not know. But you must remember that the nerves of every one are more or less upset over what has happened. The poison of Germany's spy system had permeated all of us, and nothing is normal. A man often suspects his best friend, so though it may have seemed unusual to you to be arrested, or detained, as we call it, still when all is considered it was not so strange.