CHAPTER VI
Gibson carefully locked the door behind them as they entered and led them to an inner office, the door of which he also locked. The blinds of the window were down in this room and an electric globe over Gibson's desk furnished the only light.
As the commissioner pulled the cap from his head and seated himself at his desk, motioning them to other chairs, John was astonished by the change in his appearance. His hair, usually so perfectly combed, was tousled and unkempt and his eyes were a trifle bloodshot. He noticed that Brennan was also studying Gibson questioningly.
"I gave you something of a surprise, didn't I?" said Gibson with a laugh, as he saw the reporters examining him.
"You certainly did," said Brennan. "I've been trying to figure out what's coming."
"No need," said Gibson. "I'll tell you everything. But before I begin I must ask you to pledge yourselves to secrecy. Not a word of what I am about to tell you must be breathed to a soul until I give permission. I'm going to put my trust in you boys and you must also agree to go through with your parts in what I am going to place before you. Is it a go?"
John waited for Brennan to answer.
"You can rely on us," Brennan said, and John nodded his assent when Gibson looked to him for confirmation.