His face settled into serious lines.
"The report from the laboratory is unanswerable," Bristow went on. "It's as good as a statement from an eyewitness."
"Yes; it is. Still, in some way, I don't feel sure—But I'll say this: if my trip to Washington, our trip, isn't successful, I'll quit guessing and theorizing. I'll agree, without reservation, that Perry's the man."
Bristow hesitated before making his next remark:
"Of course, I'm not employed by Withers. My only connection with the case is a volunteer one. Yours is entirely different—and I realize that there may be—well—things you know and don't want me to know. But I can't help wondering whether Morley is the only consideration that takes you to Washington, whether there mightn't be something else relating, in a way, to the case—relating to it and yet not necessarily tied to it directly."
"What kind of something?" Braceway retorted.
"Say, for instance, something ugly, something painful to Fulton and Withers—terrific scandal, perhaps."
Braceway thought a moment.
"You've a keen mind, Mr. Bristow," he said finally. "I can't discuss that phase of it now, but you're partially right; although I'll say frankly, if Morley wasn't going to Washington, I wouldn't go either."
"Thanks; I appreciate your telling me that much. Now, let me ask one more question: why, exactly are you following Morley?"