Mr. Conne screwed up his mouth with a dubious look. "Search everybody on board, two or three thousand, quiz a few, that's about all. It'll take a long time and probably reveal nothing. Family resemblances are all right when you know both members, Tommy, but out in the big world--Well, let's look this over again," he added, taking up the letter. Tom knew that he was not being consulted. He had a feeling that his suggestion about breed marks and personal resemblances was not being taken seriously. He was glad that he had not put his foot too far in by telling of his other precious idea. But he was proud of Mr. Conne's companionable attitude toward him. He was proud to be the friend of such a man. He was delighted at the thought of participation in this matter. He knew Mr. Conne liked him and had at least a good enough opinion of him to adopt the appearance of conferring with him. Mr. Conne's rather whimsical attitude toward this conference did not lessen his pride. "Let's see now," said the detective. "This thing evidently went through Holland in code. It's a rendering." It was easy for Tom to believe that Mr. Conne was re-reading the letter just to himself--or to himself and Tom. "Let's see now--_but, as you say, everything for the Fatherland. If you receive this, let them know that I'll have my arms crossed and to be careful before they shoot_. I wish he'd cross his arms when he comes ashore. He's evidently planning to get himself captured. _If you don't get this I'll just have to take my chance. The other way isn't worth trying._ Hmm! Probably thought of deserting at the wharf and getting into Holland or Belgium. No, that wouldn't be worth trying. _As for the code key, that'll be safe enough--they'll never find it._ Hmm! _If it wasn't for the_--what's all this--_the English swine_. Humph! They fight pretty good for swine, don't they, Tommy? _As far as I can ascertain, we'll go on the T. P._ We know that much, anyway, thanks to you, Tommy." (Tom felt highly elated.) "_There was some inquiry about my close relationship to you, but nothing serious. All you have to do is to cheer when they play the S. S. B. over here_. Humph! That's worth knowing. _It isn't known if Schmitter had the key to this when they caught him_---- "He didn't," said Mr. Conne dryly; "I was the one who caught him.--_because he died on Ellis Island. But it's being abandoned to be on the safe side_. Safety first, hey? _I have notice from H. not to use it after sending this letter. If we can get the new one in your hands before_--Seems to be blotted out--_in time so it can be used through Mexico. I'll have much information to communicate verbally in T. and A. matters, but will bring nothing in ---- ---- form but key and credentials_. He means actual, concealed or disguised form, I s'pose. _The idea is L.'s._ I suppose he means the manner of concealing the key and credentials." "Yes," said Tom rather excitedly. Mr. Conne glanced at him, joggled his cigar, and went on,