"Why, no," said Stubbs quietly, "they've discovered that I'm here at
command of the American state department searching for a certain list
of names."

It was Hal's turn to be surprised and be started back.

"What's that?" he cried, believing that he could not have heard
aright.

Stubbs repeated his statement.

"But I thought --" began Hal.

"And what business have you to think!" demanded Stubbs with sudden
anger. "Haven't I the same, right as you to do something for my
country?"

"Of course, Mr. Stubbs, and I think all more of you for it, but at the
same time I never dreamed --"

"Of course you didn't. Neither did anyone else, which is the reason my
services were accepted. That is, no one knew it outside of Germany,
but they seem to have spotted me here soon enough."

"I see," said Hal. "Then you must have made an effort to get the list
of German agents in the United States."

Stubbs gave an exclamation of amazement.

"Who said anything about spies?" he asked.