The chief laughed. “All right,” said Walters, “if you’re ready, let’s go.”
Chief Bates came around the desk and shook hands with them. “Any time I can do anything for you boys,” he said seriously, “don’t forget to call on me.”
“And when you want some good detective work done,” intervened Mr. Grey, “you call on them.”
The boys were beginning to feel uncomfortable. The government agent rose and approached them. “Well, boys,” he said, “it was a real pleasure to work with you.” He paused for a second, then added, “The only trouble of collaborating with you is that you do all the work and leave the other fellow nothing to do.”
There was laughter all around. Then Jack said, “Mr. Grey, you must not forget that we want to talk some things over with you. There are a couple of mysterious details that we think, you can clear up for us.”
The man bowed low and replied, “I am at your disposal, sir.”
“Perhaps you might visit us tonight at my house,” added Paul. “Then you could tell us everything.”
“That’s right,” nodded Ken. “How about it?”
“I shall be there at eight sharp, gentlemen.”
The boys smiled at the man’s behavior. He was really lots of fun. They said goodbye all around and left, accompanied by Walters.