ave tea myself, and I took off my own
overcoat and hung it up next to his.

But I did not enter the coffee-room; instead, I went into the
smoking-room. There I called for a drink, and, having swallowed it,
returned to the pegs where our coats were hanging.

Swiftly I placed my hand in the breast pocket of his coat, and there
felt some papers which, in a second, I had seized and transferred to my
own pocket. Then I put on my coat leisurely, and strolled across to the
station.

[Illustration: MAP OF THE NORTH SHIELDS RESERVOIRS, AND HOW TO CUT OFF
THE WATER SUPPLY, PREPARED BY THE SPY JOHN BARKER.]

A train was fortunately just about to leave for Newcastle, and I jumped
in. Then when we had moved away from the platform I eagerly examined
what I had secured.

It consisted of a tipster's circular, some newspaper cuttings concerning
football, a rough sketch of how the water supply of North Shields could
be cut off, and a private letter from a business man which may be of
interest if I reproduce it. It read as follows:

"Berkeley Chambers,
"Cannon Street,
"London, E.C.,
"_May 3rd_, 1908.

"MY DEAR JOHN,

"I herewith enclose the interest in advance--four five-pound
notes.

"Continue to act as you have done, and obtain orders wherever
possible.

"Business just now, I am glad to say, leaves but little to be
desired, and we hope that next year your share of profits may
be increased.

"We have every confidence in this, you understand.

"Write to us oftener and give us news of your doings, as we are
always interested in your welfare.

"It is unwise of you, I think, to doubt Uncle Charles, for I
have always found him to be a man in whom one can repose the
utmost confidence. He is, I believe, taking a house near
Tynemouth.

"Every one is at present well, but the spring in London is
always trying. However, we are hoping for warmer weather.

"My wife and the children, especially little Charlie,
Frederick, and Charlotte--who is growing quite a big
girl--send their love to you.

"Your affectionate cousin,
"HENRY LEWIS."

That letter, innocent enough upon the face of it, contained certain
instructions to the spy, besides enclosing his monthly payment of L20.

Read by the alphabetical instructions with which every German secret
agent is supplied and which