Bob Cook and the German Spy | Page 4

for
dirty work."
"Germany wants peace with the United States," said the German
loudly.
"Well, if they do, they take a strange method of showing it," replied the
other man with a grim smile. "Personally it's my opinion that we've
been patient with Germany far too long. Now they've forced war upon
us and for my part I'm ready to go out and fight for my country."

Every one in the car was now listening to the discussion, and perhaps
the most interested listener of all was young Robert Cook.
"Well, I won't fight for the United States!" exclaimed the big German,
rising to his feet. "I won't fight for Germany either, but I'll fight all
right." He started toward the door of the car, while Bob pondered over
his last remark and wondered what it could mean.
As the German approached the door, a man dressed in a neat black suit
and soft hat got up out of his seat. Bob was watching the German and
also noticed this man, though not particularly; he did see that he had a
square jaw and a determined look in his gray eyes.
The German started to crowd past the stranger who stood squarely in
the aisle. "Don't be in such a hurry," said the man quietly. "You stay
here."
"I want to get off this car," shouted the German angrily. "Get out of my
way."
"I want you to come with me," said the man still in the same quiet tone.
As the German started to protest once more he drew back his coat
slightly and Bob saw the gleam of a badge on his coat. "Sit down," he
said to the German, who obeyed without further question.
There was a mild flurry of excitement in the car, and there were smiles
of amusement on the faces of many of the passengers as they glanced at
the German sitting meekly in the corner of the seat. He seemed entirely
cowed now, and kept his eyes fixed upon the floor, save for an
occasional look he stole at the secret service man standing in front of
him. The latter seemed entirely at his ease and acted as if not a thing
out of the ordinary had taken place.
Bob was greatly impressed, and looked with marked respect at the
quiet-mannered detective standing near him. He wondered what it was
all about, and his father's words of the evening before concerning
plotters and spies came again to his mind. He wondered if he could join
the secret service and help his country in that way. Then he

remembered that he was only seventeen and sighed to think that there
was probably less chance of that than there was of being taken into the
army.
What was the detective going to do with the German, wondered Bob.
The car was approaching the high school, and he would have to get off
soon and he did not want to miss any of the drama. Suddenly he
remembered the police station on the block adjoining the school
building and decided that that must be the detective's destination. Bob
decided to stay on the car long enough to see anyway.
They passed the high school, and sure enough, as they came to the next
corner, the secret service agent motioned to the German to follow him
out. Bob decided to go along. They got off the trolley car and entered
the police station. Behind the desk sat the sergeant, a man named Riley,
well known to Bob. The detective led his prisoner up to the rail.
"I want you to take care of this man for me, Sergeant," he said, at the
same time displaying his badge.
"Certainly," said Sergeant Riley quickly. "Here, Donovan," he called to
a policeman standing near by. "Take this man and lock him up."
Officer Donovan beckoned to the German who was standing sullenly
by the side of the policeman; his face was white and his eyes gleamed
wickedly while he opened and closed his hands nervously. He even
started to protest, but before he could say anything Sergeant Riley
quickly silenced him. Without further ado he joined the policeman, and
together they disappeared through the door leading out to the room
where the cells were located.
Satisfied that his prisoner was taken in charge, the secret service agent
turned and without further ado left the building.
Bob was much excited and interested. "Who was that secret service
man?" he inquired of the sergeant.
"Dunno," said Riley. "I never saw him before."

"He didn't even make a charge against the man," said Bob.
"I know it," said Riley. "He don't have to."
"I thought you couldn't lock up a man unless there was some charge
against him," exclaimed Bob.
"We have orders to lock up