"Of course. 'The Comet' they called her."
"She was deep in the game and just on the point of squealing when 'Red' Rathbone put her out of the way in a fit of jealousy, but we got to her for a little dope first up in Wyoming, and it's a straight tip to the North Drive bunch. Added to that, the Professor is under lock and key out in Chicago; we're holding him on the old Hamilton affair, but I'm working on him, and I've got a hunch he's in league with the others here. In fact, every clue focuses true, and you mark my words, the round-up will be the most sensational in years! My boy," McCormick rose and circling the desk, laid one hand upon the younger man's shoulder. "It's not my habit to talk to my operatives about cases they're not concerned with, but I can't help feeling that you're in pretty deep in this. You haven't chosen to be frank with me, but my cards are on the table, and I'm going to speak plainer still. If you've been fascinated by the scarred face, and let yourself be kidded into the knight-errant stuff, forget it! They're all tarred with the same brush and it's a mighty black one!"
"I—I don't understand, sir!"
"Because you don't want to. Many a good fellow has fallen for the old injured innocence gag and come to, to find his job gone, his career blasted and no guy willing to trust him with a plugged nickel. If there's another reason," the Chief's face hardened perceptibly, "if this Atterbury woman's financial resources have dazzled you, just remember you're selling what you can't buy back again. A lot of us believe we haven't got a price until the offer is put up to us. I'm giving you a chance before you close the deal."
"Bribery!" Ross stood as if turned to stone and McCormick studied him with an almost paternal anxiety. At length the younger man squared himself and said doggedly: "After that, sir, there's only one thing left for me to say. Unless you take me off it, I'll finish up the Dumois case, and I'll find the girl if she's above ground. I don't think you can recall a case that I've relinquished, admitting failure. After that, I'm through; I'll hand in my resignation to you and quit the game for good."
"I'm sorry," McCormick remarked simply, but his face clouded in profound disappointment. "I spoke as man to man, and I didn't think you'd fall down this way. If you're on the level, Ross, for God's sake prove it! As to your resignation, we'll discuss that later. I'll be the first to apologize if I've misjudged you, but you've got to show me. Go out now and make good."
There was an unaccustomed blur before Herbert Ross's eyes as for the only time in their long association he left the presence of the Chief without the cordial handclasp which had conveyed so much of trust and understanding. He did not see the red-headed office boy's commiserating nod nor the meaning glances cast after him by his fellow operatives as he stumbled blindly from the outer office, and he found himself hastening along the crowded thoroughfare with no definite destination in his mind.
The Chief's voice, gruff with the effort to conceal his emotion, still rang in his ears and a wonderment mingled with his self-loathing. Why was he so caught in the toils of treachery and double-dealing, he who had guarded his professional honor with a jealousy transcending that of man to his mate? What was this girl to him, this strange, gentle, indomitable little creature with the pitifully marred face and soul-searching eyes, that her protection should have come to mean more to him than all the world beside?
If McCormick's suspicions concerning Mrs. Atterbury and her friends were justifiable, and the girl was being used as a tool to further their ends she must be warned without delay! The Chief had said that the police authorities would forestall him if he lost much time. Betty Shaw might be in actual peril that very day!
Without any clear idea of what he meant to do, Ross hailed a passing taxi and directed the chauffeur to the North Drive. He must see her at all costs, and a vague notion of presenting himself boldly at the house and demanding an interview with her was taking possession of his thoughts, when not a block from his destination he came upon Betty herself just as she took an envelope furtively from her muff and dropped it into a mail-box.