"Good! Not only is it for your own safety, but it will enable you to investigate quietly without arousing suspicion.
"This will be our secret, Bob. You must not tell a soul, not even Mr. Perkins."
"I won't, sir."
Realizing from Bob's expression that he had aroused sad thoughts and memories, the vice-president stood up and said:
"Now that we have made this agreement, we will dismiss it from our minds for the present. I want you to come to dinner and the theatre with me."
"But my pass and the train?" exclaimed Bob.
"Your train, or rather the limited, on which I shall send you, does not leave until eleven. I'll send for your pass now." And, pressing a button, he ordered the clerk who responded to fetch Bob's pass.
This done, Mr. Nichols was signing some papers when word was brought that the chief of detectives wished to take Bob's deposition.
"Have them come in here," replied the official, and in due course the lawyer, notary and detective arrived.
Briefly Bob told his story, signed it, and solemnly swore to its truth.