At first he greatly resented our intrusion, and was most indignant at our suggestion that he was about to be made a cat's-paw by the Kaiser's spies.
But on production of the letter, which we deciphered, the plan of the Ridges Waterworks, and our allegations concerning his generous friend, he began to reflect.
"Has he ever asked you about the new gun now being made at Elswick?" I asked.
"Well"—he hesitated—"now I recall the fact, he has on several occasions."
"Ah!" I said. "He intended to either ruin you, Rosser, or compel you to become a traitor."
"He'd never do that!" declared the stout-hearted Briton. "By God! If what you tell me is true," he cried fiercely, "I'll wring the blackguard's neck."
"No," I said, "don't do that. He's paid the purchase money for a new house for you, hasn't he?"
"Yes."
"Then leave him to us. We'll compel him to hand back the mortgage, and your revenge shall be a new house at the expense of the German Government," whereat both Ray and he laughed heartily.
Next night we faced the spy at his own rooms, and on pain of exposure and the police compelled him to hand over the new little villa to his intended victim unconditionally, a fact which caused him the most intense chagrin, and induced him to utter the most fearful threats of vengeance against us.