“Perhaps Raikes hasn’t turned traitor, after all,” suggested Hamp. “I mean that he may have fooled Sparwick.”
“I’m afraid you two fellows are the ones that were fooled,” said Brick. “It looks very much as though Sparwick had gone over to Raikes and Bogle. Perhaps they promised him more money.”
Jerry and Hamp exchanged quick, meaning glances. It suddenly flashed upon them that Brick’s suspicion was absolutely true.
Just then Jerry caught Sparwick’s eye. He beckoned him to approach. But Sparwick pretended not to see. He looked the other way.
Before the boys could utter another word, Raikes and Bogle rose from the bench, and came across the room. Raikes paused in front of Sparwick, and said something to him. Bogle came on to the bed. His face wore a sneering smile of satisfaction.
“Give me those letters,” he demanded of Jerry.
The lad hesitated. With a savage oath Bogle clinched his fist.
“The letters?” he repeated, “quick!”
Jerry realized his helplessness. He took the letters from his pocket, and handed them to the ruffian.
“You’re a mean, lying traitor, Kyle Sparwick,” he cried, angrily.