Chapter V: Jenkins

"Now, what shall we do?" said Donald.

Eric was deep in thought. "I was going to say--'Let's go to grandfather's study'--but it's just struck me that Uncle William (ugh! the beastly traitor!) is sure not to be working alone. He must have a fellow spy helping him. I am not sure that we ought not to find out who it is before we speak to grandfather. He's sure to get the wind up frightfully, and so will the police, and, of course, the fellow spy will just bunk, with all the plans."

"Yes," said Donald, "and--I believe I know who the other spy is."

"Who?" said Eric, turning on his companion.

"Jenkins," said Donald.

"By Jove, I believe you are right," said Eric. "Jenkins--Uncle William's servant. I always hated that sneaking Jenkins, with his prying ways and long nose. All the servants hate him, too. And now I come to think of it, he was always having long, private talks with Uncle William. Let's get after him."

The two boys crept downstairs, and through a door in the hall into the servants' quarters. Whom should they run into but Jenkins, himself--Jenkins, in a bowler hat, carrying a little black bag.

"Where are you going?" asked Eric.

"To London, Master Eric," said Jenkins, with his most innocent air.

"Why?"

"On business for Mr. Mendel. I mustn't stop, sir, or I shall miss my train." He pushed past the boys towards the door.

Eric was in despair--what should he do? "Mr. Mendel's business," in London was sure to be spy work. And if Jenkins went to London, to-day, he might hear of his master's capture and never come back. Suddenly an idea came to him. He stepped forwards between Jenkins and the door.

"You're not go to London, Jenkins," he said, "my grandfather would not wish you to go."

Jenkins flushed an angry red, and was about to push Eric aside, when old Briggs the butler came along the passage.

"Briggs," called Eric, "Jenkins says he's going to London. But whatever happens he mustn't go. My grandfather would be awfully angry if he heard Jenkins was out of the house. I can't explain why, but you'll know soon. Will you take him into the pantry and keep him there till grandfather sends for him?"

Now Briggs hated Jenkins, and so he was very glad to do anything to annoy him. Besides, he could see that Eric was in earnest. Taking Jenkins by the arm, he led him into the pantry. The footman was in there, cleaning silver, Eric was glad to see. Jenkins had gone perfectly white, and his knees knocked together as he walked. Suddenly Eric snatched the little black bag from his hands. Jenkins tried to keep hold of it, but Eric was too quick for him.

"Don't leave him alone for a minute, will you, Briggs?" said Eric.

"No, sir, I will not," said Briggs. He pushed Jenkins into a chair, where he sat looking like a rat in a trap. He knew he was found out, and that escape was impossible.