"Again! What for?" the chief asked.
"They've asked me to work out that kidnapping case in New Orleans—the Loutois child."
"Good! I'm glad to hear it; I congratulate you."
Greenleaf was sincerely pleased. He felt that he had sponsored and developed the lame man as a detective.
"Thanks. Before I go, I want to have a talk with you. We might as well go over everything once more and——"
"That reminds me. I was just about to call you up, but your news made me forget. I've a wire from Braceway, just got it. He filed it at Salisbury, on his way here. Let me read it to you:
"'Have all the stuff I can get on Withers case. Can not go further before conferring with you, Bristow, Fulton, and Abrahamson. Please arrange meeting of all these Bristow's bungalow eight tonight. Withers not with me.'"
"That fits in," Bristow commented; "lets me start for New Orleans on the late night train."
"Wonder what he's got," the chief questioned. "Do you know?"
"No. And I don't believe it amounts to anything. Still, if he wants to talk, we might as well hear it."