"Thanks for being generous, but I seem to be taking so long for next to nothing."
"What do you plan to do now?" Newton asked, and Hanlon explained more in detail what he was after.
"What makes you so sure this fellow Yandor leads to the higher ups?" the admiral asked slowly at last.
"All the clues I've managed to pick up so far point to him as a key figure," Hanlon said earnestly. "I've read in a number of minds facts—or snatches—that point to him as one of the leaders, despite his reputable position as the leading theatrical entrepreneur...."
"Or because of it," his father interjected.
"Yes, perhaps because of it. When Auldin introduced us and I hinted at my knowledge of his 'other activities'—and when I've mentioned them since—Yandor didn't react as I'm sure he would if he wasn't engaged in something off-color."
"Hmmm, it all sounds reasonable. And as far as the time it is taking you is concerned, you needn't worry yet. It always takes time to open up a line of investigation. You took three months or more off to go to Algon, remember, but you got the answers finally."
They had arrived at the house where Hanlon lived so they parked their trikes in the back yard, and went up to his room.
"Yes, what you say is true," Hanlon seemed more relieved now. "What have you and the others found out?"
His father's short laugh was not a pleased one. "Hardly a thing worth mentioning. We don't even have any leads that may be successful, as you have. Manning has been working as a clerk in a government office, but can't find a thing. Hooper is in Lumina, the secondary capital where the study and suggestion body holds forth...."