"You would have to tell me about the others. Name them, or describe
them to me," urged the Frenchman. "Then I would know, if they are real
agents of any foreign government."

"I would tell you nothing of the sort," muttered Captain Jack. "I am
young, perhaps, yet I'm old enough to keep my own secrets."

"Then it is agreed, anyway," hastened on the Frenchman, "that, in three
days, you will have ready the plans and descriptions, and that I, after
I have looked them over and have found them satisfactory, will hand you
ten thousand dollars."

"If you've made any such agreement," laughed Benson, "then you've made
it with yourself only. You certainly haven't made it with me."

"Don't you agree, then?" asked M. Lemaire.

"No," said Jack, shortly, turning on his heel.

"Where are you going, Captain?"

"Back to Spruce Beach."

"On foot?"

"Yes, for I know your kind too well to suppose that you'll offer me a
ride back."

"Wait!" cried M. Lemaire, persuasively, and Benson, halted, looking at