“Regarding Whitburn,” he said slowly. “I received word through Agent C, who was present at last night’s meeting. He says that Agent E is slowly getting results. He is afraid to make too sudden a step.”
“What have you done about this man Vincent — the one who was to be watched at the Metrolite Hotel?”
“I shall read you the complete report,” said Prokop. “Agent F registered at the Metrolite Hotel, under the name of Ernest Manion. He watched Vincent.
“The man received a letter. Manion obtained it. It proved to be a blank sheet of paper. We have tested it with chemicals. No writing appears.
“The letter was evidently a blind; for while Agent F was obtaining it, Vincent left the hotel. Agent F sent a message to that effect.
“In the meantime I received a message from Agent E, the man who is with Whitburn — under the name of Stokes. He had learned that Whitburn intended to hire Vincent to fill the vacancy on his staff.”
Prokop looked at the Red Envoy, expecting some token of approval; but the masked man made no sign.
“Agent F reported later that he had picked up Vincent’s trail. Vincent had entered a theater. F awaited instructions.
“I notified him that Vincent was going to Lake Marrinack. I told F to trail him, if possible. Vincent did not return to the Metrolite Hotel; F followed him to the Baronet Hotel.
“The next morning, Vincent managed to elude Agent F; but he turned up, as we had expected, at Lake Marrinack.”