“That pigeon never came all this way from shore by himself. That’s not the way of pigeons.”
“Then you think he came from a boat?” Betty was beginning to understand.
“Any of these or even an airplane carrier. Which means,” Grandfather went on, “that somewhere on the mainland we have a nest of spies.”
“Spies-spies! Oh, yes, spies,” Betty murmured. She was thinking of her talks with Norma about many strange doings. There might be something to it after all, she concluded.
“They’re up to something,” said Grandfather. “Sending messages back and forth like that. Perhaps it’s something really big. Just now they’re just feeling us out, trying to see how well prepared we are.”
“They got a sample the other night,” said Betty.
“A very fine sample,” the aged inventor agreed. “A very fine sample, indeed. What I fear most is that they may make this island a stepping stone.”
“We have some soldiers now,” Betty suggested.
“Yes, a few men. We’ll have more men later.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day, on the mainland, Norma visited a place of many wonders, perfected some plans, was treated to a great surprise and made an interesting discovery, all in one afternoon.
Norma and Rosa retired as soon as their late night vigil was ended. By mid-afternoon they were up and ready for a prowl.
They struck off on foot over the road leading to the fort on the ridge that overlooked their village, Harbor Bells, and the Sea Tower.
They had gone but a little way when Tom McCarthy overtook them in a jeep. “Hop in,” he invited after stopping his car. “I’ll give you a lift. Where you bound for?”
“Nowhere in particular,” was Norma’s reply as they all crowded into the front seat. “We’re out for fresh air.”
“I’m going up to the fort,” Tom said. “There’s going to be a little target practice by the big guns. I want to see how good they are.”
“Think we’ll need their help some of these days?” Norma asked half jokingly.
“Well, now, you never can tell.” Tom did not laugh. “There seems to be a difference of opinion. Some think America may be invaded, at least by the air.”
“That’s right,” Tom agreed. “Me? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
“Oh, Tom!” Rosa broke in. “Take us to the fort. I’d just love to see it.”