If Smith was playing some devious game of his own, let him make the next move.
As days went by, telephone circuits from Washington to Los Angeles carried messages that grew increasingly uncomplimentary. FBI headquarters hinted that certain field representatives might be transferred from Southern California to southern Kansas if results in the Smith case were not forthcoming promptly. The Air Force suggested that if both Dr. Smith and the X-15 prototype continued to be among the missing, it would not be wise to present the pending promotion of General Sanders to the White House.
The General was moodily digesting this thought, while half-listening to a discussion at a morning staff conference, when an aide whispered:
"A call from the North American Lancaster plant, Sir. It's urgent—and personal...."
General Sanders excused himself and hurried into his adjoining private office.
"Sanders," he barked.
The high, imperious voice that replied was instantly recognizable:
"General Sanders, I suggest you don't try to have this call traced, or we might not be able to finish our conversation!"
The General pressed his intercom button and held the connection open, waiting for a chance to use it.
"Go ahead, Smith," he said.