Indeed, it was Mr. Grey. He stood there looking at them, smiling, self-confident. By now the chief and Jim Spencer had also jumped to their feet. Everyone was staring speechless at the gaunt man. Jack cried, “Who are you?”
The chief added, “Yes, tell us who you are and what you want.”
Mr. Grey walked over to the desk. Pausing for a moment to eye the secretary, she blushed and left the room. When the door was closed, he took a badge out of his pocket and showed it to the chief.
“Oh!” exclaimed the chief. “I’m glad to meet you.”
“Who is he, Chief Bates?” demanded Jack.
“A government man,” was the snappy retort.
“Then why did we find him among the gang?” demanded Jack. “Anyone can get himself a badge. Let him really identify himself.”
They all eyed Mr. Grey. Paul and Ken felt horrified by Jack’s demand but they felt that he was right, reasonable. Wasn’t it possible for him to pass off as a government man and yet be in reality a member of the gang? Mr. Grey said smilingly, “That boy will some day make a very good sleuth.”
“Well, you’re wrong,” retorted Jack. “I’m going to study to be a doctor.”