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16 have a hard time puzzling out the real meaning of his figures and incomplete design."

"They are a keen bunch, though," said Jack, looking worried, "and if they set their minds to it the chances are they'll succeed in the end. But perhaps the thief may realize he has not secured the precious paper he was after, and on that account fail to deliver it to the German Embassy at Washington?"

"Father, hopes that may turn out to be so," replied Tom. "But remember, Jack, this is to be kept a dead secret. Father has good reasons for not wishing it to become known to the Government yet; though you must understand there's nothing dishonorable about his motives."

"I'll never breathe a word of it, Tom, you can depend on that. But doesn't he mean to put the case in the hands of the Secret Service men? They might manage to recover the paper before it falls into the hands of the enemy."

"But to do that, don't you see, he would have to take the Government into his confidence, which he is loth to do just yet. No, he has hired a detective of national reputation, John Mullins, who is even now on the trail, and he hopes to intercept the thief. But since Washington is not many hours away from our home town by rail, it may be that the precious