fortifications, trying to make notes, or take photographs."

"Yes," nodded the shipbuilder.

"And I think I've read, also, that such spies are generally warned and
then let go."

"That's the usual procedure, I believe," admitted Farnum.

"Then, after the spies who have been bothering us have all been rounded
up and scolded, they'll be given railroad tickets and allowed go on
their way?" asked Jack.

"Frankly, I'm afraid that's just what will be in the present case,"
admitted Jacob Farnum.

"Then," grumbled Captain Jack, making a rather wry face, "it would seem
that being a foreign spy, in this country, provides one with a calling
that is a good deal safer than being just a lightning rod peddler or a
bill collector."

"Yes; it's really so," admitted the shipbuilder, thoughtfully.

"If that is the case," muttered Captain Jack, "the spies here at Spruce
Beach will probably keep a bit quiet until they see how things are going
to turn out. As soon as their minds are made easy by our generous
government, then they'll plot their next moves. If they can't accomplish
anything more, they may content themselves with a general revenge of
some sort on the whole lot of us."