He paused and glanced inquiringly at Billy's, companion. The A.P. discreetly began to walk on. "I say, Kirkwood," called out the flight-sub. "Let me introduce you." "So you are the man who was flying with our friend here when the German airman who bombed Alderdene was strafed," said Entwistle, after the introduction was made. "I believe I had a hand in it," admitted Kirkwood. "That was when the document setting a price on your father's head was discovered, Barcroft," continued the vet. "I say--how did you know that?" asked Billy. "Funny how things like that leak out." "It's part of my business," replied Entwistle gravely. "That is the matter on which I wish to speak to you, and since Mr. Kirkwood is 'in the know' up to a certain point I do not see any reason why he should not be admitted into our conference. First of all, let me say that for the present I must get you to promise not to say a word to your father, or in fact to any one concerning what I am about to divulge." The two officers gave the required promise. "It concerns Andrew Norton," continued Entwistle. "He is a secret agent of the German Government. On the night of the Barborough raid he had planned to have your parent made prisoner by the crew of the Zeppelin. Unfortunately for him his plans went adrift, and, as a result, he himself was kidnapped and taken to Germany." "How on earth do you know this?" asked Billy incredulously. "From definite and unimpeachable information," replied Entwistle. "I am--this is of course strictly confidential--also a Secret Service man, belonging to an opposition show. In due course--we have been giving him a good amount of rope--friend Norton will be arrested." "But why cannot the governor be informed?" was Billy's next question. Philip Entwistle smiled. "Your father is--well, too imaginative, and, perhaps, a little too impulsive. I don't think he would believe me at first, if I were to broach the subject. He would, I feel inclined to think, even start bantering friend Norton." "Yes, perhaps he might," admitted young Barcroft. "And so I am just off to the house to see your father," continued Entwistle. "There are one or two questions I want to ask him, indirectly put but directly bearing upon the Norton case." "'Fraid you won't find him there," remarked Billy. "He's gone rabbit-shooting with the man under discussion." "With Andrew Norton?" asked Entwistle anxiously, then--gripping the flight-sub's arm--"Where, man, where? We must find him at once." The three set out at a rapid pace through the Dingle Dell. The Secret Service man's hand went to his hip pocket, his fingers coming in contact with the butt of a small but powerful automatic pistol. For more than two years the weapon had been Entwistle's constant companion, yet no one, not even his personal friends, were aware of the fact. "Thought Barcroft would speed things up a bit," he soliloquised. "Going rabbitting with that beauty has done it. Wonder if we are too late?"