But Bob had his own doubts as to whether the police would be able to apprehend the car. Too much time had elapsed. Even now the big machine might be speeding out of the city.
It was then that Bob disobeyed his orders from the federal chief. Instead of summoning a taxi, he hastened back to the street where the attack had taken place. He wanted to be sure that his uncle had not been wounded and left there.
When he arrived the police squad had completed its search.
“Find anyone?” asked Bob anxiously.
“Not even a good ghost,” grumbled one of the officers. “Say, that taxi’s a wreck.”
But Bob had no time to waste in talk over a damaged taxi. He half ran and half walked to the nearest thoroughfare where he flagged a taxi and ordered the driver to take him to the Department of Justice building.
On the way over, Bob reviewed the events of the night. With the disappearance of his uncle the case had deepened and he felt as though he was drifting in a sea of puzzling problems.
On reaching the Department of Justice building, Bob went directly to the upper floor where the federal chief’s office was located. An agent, evidently watching for him, escorted him into the inner office and Bob’s eyes widened as he saw Condon Adams and Tully Ross seated beside Waldo Edgar’s desk.
The federal chief rose as Bob came in.
“Have a chair, Bob. We want to hear in detail everything that went on tonight. Now that your uncle has disappeared, you’ll have to work with Adams and Ross here on the case. I’m counting on you for a lot of good work.”