“This man is wanted as a United States prisoner, is he, sir?” inquired the policeman.

“Yes, if his name is Millard,” replied Lieutenant Ridder.

“Oh, this is Millard, all right,” confirmed Jack Benson.

“Then shall I leave the fellow with you, sir?” inquired the policeman.

“Yes, of course; and thank you.”

“You’ll give me a receipt for the fellow, as a United States prisoner?” hinted the policeman.

“As a United States suspect,” corrected Lieutenant Ridder, going to a table on which were writing materials.  The policeman was handed the desired document, then withdrew.  Then Ridder went to a telephone, calling up Major Woodruff.

“The major will be here in about ten minutes,” announced Ridder, hanging up the receiver.  “In the meantime we will do no talking in the presence of this suspect.”

It was just a little less than ten minutes later when Major Woodruff, accompanied by a corporal and two private soldiers, entered the room.

Millard was at once taken away, under guard.

Then the boys told their stories, quickly, comprehensively.

“I’ll have to get a clear wire all the way through to Washington,” declared Major Woodruff, promptly, going to the telephone.  In a minute more he had arranged matters, and hurried to the table to write his despatch.  Ere the major had finished writing a messenger boy was at the door.

“Boy, you’ll find my automobile at the hotel entrance,” stated Major Woodruff.  “Give this card to my chauffeur, and he’ll take you on the jump to the telegraph office.  Then come back in the automobile, and wait for more work.”

“Do you expect anyone in Washington to get that message now, after ten o’clock at night?” Jack asked, wonderingly.

“To-night?” repeated Major Woodruff.  “Yes, sir!  You haven’t much idea, I take it, Mr. Benson, how fast government business travels.  Within five minutes the first part of my message will be ticking out on a receiver in the War Department.  The Army officer in charge will get the Secretary of War over the telephone.  Why, my answer will very likely be here inside of twenty minutes!”

It was thirty minutes, exactly, when a messenger placed a telegram in Major Woodruff’s hands.  As soon as the messenger had gone outside, the major read this telegram.

"Keep prisoner Millard close confinement pending further orders.  Have communicated Secretary of Navy.  Latter official says sea chase shall be made to catch fellow Gray on ‘Juanita.’  If submarine boys will accept sea service, briefly, for Navy Department, have them come to-night’s train and report Secretary Navy at nine to-morrow morning.  Their expenses borne by government.” (Signed) “Secretary of War."

“What does that mean, sir,” cried Jack Benson, rising, “about if we will accept sea service, and reporting in the morning to the Secretary of the Navy at Washington?”