of for getting help," said Tom.
"They took every scrap of paper from me, but I found some in the lining
of my hat--some I'd stuffed in after I had a hair cut and my hat was
too large. For a pencil I used burnt matches. Oh, but I'm glad to be
out!" and he breathed deep of the fresh air.

"How did you get in there?" asked Ned wonderingly.

"Those fellows--of course. The German plotters, I'm going to call them,
for I believe that Blakeson and his gang--though I didn't see him--are
really working in the interests of Germany to get the secret of my
tank."

"Well, they haven't got her yet," said Ned, "and they're not likely to
now. Go on, Tom, if you feel able tell us in a few words what happened.
We've been trying to think, but can't."

"Well, it all happened because I didn't think enough," said Tom, who
was rapidly recovering his strength and nerve. "When I got that
message that seemed to come from you, Ned, I should have known better
than to take a chance. But it seemed genuine, and as I had no reason to
suspect a trap, I started off at once. I thought maybe Kanker had
repented and was going to make amends for all the trouble he caused.

"Anyhow, I started off in my machine, and I hadn't got more than to the
crossroads when I saw a fellow out tinkering with his auto. Of course I
stopped to ask if I could help, for I can't bear to see any machinery
out of order, and as I was stooping over the engine to see what was
wrong I was pounced on from behind, bound and tied, and before I could
do a thing I was bundled into the car--a big limousine, and taken away.

"The crossroads was as far as we could trace you," remarked Ned.

"Well, it wasn't as far as they took me, by any means," Tom said. "They
brought me here, took me out of the machine--and I noticed that they'd
brought mine along--and then they carted me into the vault.

"But they didn't have it all their own way," said Tom grimly. "I
managed to get the ropes loose, and I had a regular knock down and drag
out with them for a while. But they were too many for me, and locked me
up in that place after taking away everything I had in my pockets."

"Were they highwaymen?" asked Mr. Kimtall.

"No, for they tossed back my money, watch and some trifles like that,"
Tom answered. "I didn't recognize any of the men, though one of them
must have known me, for when they had me tied I heard one of them ask
if I was the right party, and another said I was. I know they must
be