and swung the latter open. An instant more, and there came from
Mr. Seaton's lips a cry much like the frightened howl of a wild
beast.

"The second set of papers is gone--stolen from here!"

There was an almost simultaneous gasp of consternation from the three
Motor Boat Club boys as they rushed forward. But they had no need to
search. Seaton had done that thoroughly, and now he turned to eye
them. As he stared--or glared--a new thought came into Seaton's mind,
reflecting itself in his eyes. The boys could see him fighting against
his own new suspicion.

"Halstead," cried Powell Seaton, clutching at the side of the doorway,
"I told you all about this hiding place. I trusted you!"

It was Tom Halstead's turn to go deathly white and stagger.

"Do you mean, sir, that YOU SUSPECT ME?" demanded the young skipper,
in a voice choked with horror.

CHAPTER X

THE TRAITOR AT THE AERIALS

"Wait! Don't take anything too seriously. I've--got to--think!"

Powell Seaton had stood, for two or three moments, staring from
Halstead to the other motor boat boys.

"Humph! Well, this is good, but I don't like it," grimaced Hank Butts,
taking two steps backward.

Powell Seaton began to pace the room, his hands at his head. He looked
like one who suddenly found it impossible to think.

Hank opened his mouth to say something angry, but Captain Tom checked
him with a look and a gesture.

"May we search in that closet for you, sir?" called Halstead, when a
thud told that the owner of the bungalow had dropped heavily back into
his chair.

"You may look there, if you want to. Anyone may look there--now!"
uttered the amazed one.

Without saying more Tom, in deep agitation, began the task he had
invited upon himself. Joe Dawson came and stood looking quietly over
his chum's shoulder, ready to help if necessary. As for Hank, he
stood, a picture of injured pride, staring at the distracted man.

"No; there's nothing here," admitted Halstead, at last. "At least, the
only thing we're interested in isn't here."

"Of course it isn't," moaned Seaton. "Yet you boys were the only ones
I told. And, the only time I left the house, it was safe upon my
return. I also told you boys that."

"If he keeps on talking in that strain," muttered Hank, half-aloud,
"I'll make his head ache!"

"No, you won't," uttered Captain Tom, gripping his comrade's arm
almost fiercely. "There's trouble enough on the premises as it is.
Hold your tongue,