“It was like kindly, unsuspicious Dave Pollard to be taken in by a rascal like that,” muttered Jack to himself.
Sam Truax added a few more details to his confession, then said:
“I couldn't die without telling you this, Benson. I hope you forgive me.”
[pg 209] Before Jack Benson could reply Lieutenant Commander Mayhew stepped forward.
“Truax, have you told us the exact truth?”
“I have.”
“You thought it would be easy to get the better of a boy like Benson, I suppose.”
“Easy enough,” admitted Sam. “So did Tip.”
“You shot far below the mark in guessing at Benson's ingenuity and brains,” remarked Doctor McCrea, laughing. “It was he who suggested this way of inducing you to make this confession after you had refused to answer the lieutenant commander's questions.”
“What?” demanded Truax harshly.