“As you have probably guessed Willard Dawson lost out here for the very shortage I am now facing.” “But I’m sure he was not to blame either. Who could look at his fine face and believe him capable of—of anything dishonest? He simply couldn’t be a traitor any more than you, Dad!” “Of course we feel certain of that. That’s why I asked to be sent here. I’ve been in hopes of clearing up the situation.” “Hazel came here for the same reason, didn’t she?” “Yes, she did. But so far—that is until you told me all this tonight I’ve run into nothing but snags.” “Just what did you mean when you said there was a shortage?” “All medical supplies must pass through my hands. I have to O.K. all orders. I have been most careful in making those orders—yet at the end of each month the sum total of materials used far exceeds the normal use of a hospital our size.” “You mean medicines, bandages and things like that, Dad?” “All expendable supplies used in the hospital—medical supplies, of course.” “Those are the kind of things they’d be badly in need of on a German sub?” “Yes, of course.” “Do you suppose those sneaks are getting some of the stuff out of the hospital along with the food?” “In fact, Kitty, the whole set-up may be for the purpose of getting our medical supplies instead of food. Almost anyone can get hold of food to let the enemy have, but the drug business is quite a different thing.” Kitty felt the gooseflesh prickle along her spine. “Oh, Dad, suppose I hadn’t paid any attention to all those queer things!” “Don’t be too complacent about it all, Kitty. We haven’t caught the saboteurs yet, nor pinned anything on anybody.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER SIXTEEN FURTHER REVELATIONS They brought Billy home from the hospital the next day. Like most husky youngsters he was soon playing around the house, and by the end of the week seemed none the worse for his experience. “I’m afraid you have a somber rival in your son,” Kitty said one evening to her father. “How’s that?” asked Mr. Carter, forcing himself out of his preoccupation. “He has quite a crush on Hazel—talks of her constantly.” Her father laughed in a self-conscious manner. “Oh, he has, eh?” “He wants me to invite her to supper again and let him sit up late.” Mr. Carter laughed. “You must do that, Kitten. But for Hazel’s watchful care Billy might not have recovered so quickly.” “I’m sure of that.” “And by the way, my dear, I’ve talked with Hazel about what you told me the other night.” “Oh, did you?” “She told me about the chess playing—Lieutenant Cary hobnobbing with Krome, Punaro and men from the galley.” “When I saw him playing with Punaro I thought they must be two of a kind. I was already suspicious of them both. But Krome seems a good-natured sort. Somehow I hate to think he may be in on the dirty work.”