"It's enough," the inspector said. "Of course neither of you had any way of knowing what was going on. You had merely undertaken to do a favor for an acquaintance. I just wish some kind wind had whispered to you the idea of reporting to us after that first day in El Mouski."
"I guess we were wrong," Rick admitted. "At first it didn't seem like a matter for the police. Later, we just didn't think of it."
"I understand. But it doesn't pay to be too independent in a strange land, I assure you. Ask Steve Ames."
The boys stared in amazement. Steve Ames was a close friend, and their contact in JANIG, one of the top American government security organizations.
"How do you know Steve?" Rick asked in astonishment.
"He and I went through the FBI Academy together. We keep in touch. Also, the International Police Organization, which is called Interpol, keeps us up to date on developments. I know that your scientific group works closely with Steve."
So Ismail ben Adhem was an FBI graduate! Rick looked at him with new respect. "I guess we should have reported to you," he said. "We just didn't know."
"No matter. It will all work out, anyway. In fact, your delay in contacting us may even make things simpler."
"How?" Scotty asked.
Ben shrugged. "We will see. This cat of yours has many interesting possibilities."