“I understood otherwise.”
“An attempt was made to take Major Hartgrove’s wallet. The man did not succeed.”
Flash accepted the explanation without comment. He was rather inclined to believe that the Major had not been robbed. However, it seemed unreasonable that the army men would be making such strenuous efforts to apprehend an ordinary thief. Obviously Major Hartgrove had carried military papers or something of far greater value than money.
Ignoring Bailey Brooks for the moment, Captain Johns asked Flash a number of questions about his actions following the train wreck. Cleverly but without success he tried to make the cameraman contradict himself. At last, he seemed satisfied the young man was telling the truth, and turned his attention once more to the parachute jumper.
After the meal had ended, Captain Johns volunteered to go with Flash to his room. The three walked together to the Clarinda Hotel.
George Doyle looked up in surprise as Flash pushed open the bedroom door. He rose quickly to his feet.
“You remember Bailey Brooks,” said Flash. “And this is Captain Ernest Johns.”
Doyle was impressed by the caller. He lost his customary indifference and put himself out to be agreeable. But the captain paid him scant attention.
“I have only a few minutes,” he said impatiently. “May I see the pictures now, please?”
Flash found the envelope in his luggage. Doyle sat watching him curiously as he sorted through the prints.