"That's right, Small," was the officer's response. "There are lots of rumours around the coast of our fishermen giving assistance to the enemy by supplying them with petrol and other things, but, as far as I can gather, such reports are disgraceful libels upon a very hardworking and deserving class. We know that some of them put down tackle in Torbay, and elsewhere, when they learn the fleet is coming in, so that they may obtain compensation for damage caused to their nets. But as to their loyalty, I don't think anyone can challenge that." "I 'ope not, sir," was Small's fervent reply. "There ain't a fisherman along the whole coast o' Lincolnshire who wouldn't bear his part against the enemy, if he could--an' bear it well, too." The clean-shaven officer reflected for a few moments. "You've never, to your recollection, seen a pale grey closed-up car anywhere about here, have you?" he asked at last. "Never, sir." "Quite sure?" "Positive, sir. The roads about 'ere are not made for cars," was the old fellow's reply. "I certainly did see a car one night, about six weeks ago. The man had lost his way an' was driving straight down to the sea. He wanted to get to Cleethorpes. They were Navy men from the wireless station, I think." The old man's manner and speech had entirely disarmed suspicion, and presently the pair rose, and bidding him good-bye, and urging him to keep a sharp look-out for strangers, they left. The moment they were safely away, Rodwell emerged from the bedroom, and in a low, apprehensive voice, asked: "What does all this mean, Tom--eh?" "Don't know, sir. That Judd's been about here constantly of late. 'E's up to no good, I'm sure. I've told you, weeks ago, that I didn't like the look o' things--an' I don't!" Rodwell saw that the old fellow was pale and alarmed. He had preserved an impenetrable mask before his two visitors, but now they had gone he was full of fear. Rodwell, as he stood in the low-pitched little room, recollected certain misgivings which Molly had uttered on the previous night, just before he had left Bruton Street. His first impulse now was to leave the house and slip away across the fen. Yet if he did somebody must certainly see him. "Shall you get off now, sir?" asked the old man suddenly. "Not till to-night," was the other's reply. "It would be a bit dangerous, so I must lay doggo here till dusk, and then escape." "Do you think they really suspect us, sir?" asked the old fellow, in a voice which betrayed his fear. "No. So don't alarm yourself in the least," replied the gentleman from London. "I suppose I've been seen about, and my car has been noticed on the roads. There's no danger, as long as I'm not seen again here for a bit. I'll get through to Stendel, and let him know that I shan't be back again for a fortnight or so." "Yes; you must certainly keep away from 'ere," Tom urged. "They'll be a-watchin' of us, no doubt."