"Now where did you get that idea?" he demanded.

"Because we're here in an attempt to verify that rumor," was Hal's reply.

Stubbs sighed.

"Well, there is no use trying to conceal my mission," he said; "and yet I was in hopes I was the possessor of information that would give me a 'scoop' for my paper; or an exclusive 'beat,' if you like that better."

"But surely you didn't hope to have such information if it were not known to the military authorities," protested Chester.

"And why didn't I?" demanded Stubbs, with some heat. "Let me tell you something, my boy. It's no infrequent thing for a newspaper man to gain knowledge of a certain thing long before it comes to the ears of the proper authorities."

"Then it is up to you to acquaint the proper authorities with your information," said Hal.