ected a scolding. That was
not Captain Hardy's way of disciplining his boys. But he had felt sure
his leader would show how deeply he was disappointed, for Captain Hardy
was terribly in earnest in this quest for spies. So once again Henry's
heart went out to his captain. Rapidly he related what had befallen
him. As he proceeded with his story, his leader's face lost its look
of grave concern, his eyes began to flash with interest, his cheeks to
burn with eagerness. When Henry's narrative had reached the point
where the motor-car had disappeared in the field and Henry was
searching for it. Captain Hardy held up his hand.

"Stop a moment," he interrupted. "You were in no wise to blame for
what happened, and instead of being condemned for failure you are to be
commended for your success. Many a boy would never have found where
that car went. And even though you did not learn exactly where the car
was, you have located the field and you may be sure that driver never
went very far in a field. We shall find the place easily enough. Go
on."

Henry looked at his leader gratefully and a happy light came into his
eyes. "Do you really think I didn't fail?" he asked eagerly.

"Assuredly," insisted Captain Hardy. "I think that you have learned
enough to enable us to locate this hidden station. Go on."

Henry proceeded with the story of his search in the dark, of his
uncertainty as to what he should do, of his fear of missing the message
as well as the car, and of how he had intercepted that message, marked
the fence post, and located the home of the automobile driver.

"Why, Henry," cried Captain Hardy, when the recital was ended,
"whatever put it into your head that you had failed? You have done
well--exceedingly well."

"But I didn't find the hidden station, and you said that was so
important."

"That is a mere detail, Henry. We shall find it easily enough. We
have our experience at Elk City to direct us."

"That's just why I felt so bad," said Henry. "If these Germans have
concealed their wireless plant as skilfully as the dynamiters did at
Elk City, we may never find where it is."

"We'll try before we give up hope," said the captain smiling. "And
even if we never find it, we now know something more important than the
location of one of their several wireless plants. We know where
another member of the gang lives. That is excellent, Henry, excellent!
The Chief will be more than pleased. I know h