“Aren’t you going to give me a fair deal?” cried Willie passionately.
“Of course I’ll give you a square deal. I’ll prove that by sending for a Secret Service man to investigate the matter at once.” Again he looked hard at Willie, but Willie never flinched.
“I’ll be very glad if you will,” he said. “If anybody can find out the truth, the Secret Service men can.”
Within a short time a Secret Service operative arrived. Willie ushered him into Mr. King’s office and closed the door. If ever in his life he wanted to be an eavesdropper, it was now. He resolutely fought down the idea and went back to his desk. But it was hard to keep his mind on his work.
After a time the Secret Service man came out of Mr. King’s office and began to question Willie. He asked him about every move he had made during the dinner hour, and Willie, comprehending his purpose, tried to account for every second. He explained that he had left the office on the very stroke of twelve, in order to get a quick bite so he could use his wireless during his free time.
“I ran over to the Childs’ restaurant,” said Willie, “and got a sandwich and a cup of coffee.”
“Can you prove it?” demanded the Secret Service man.
“I think so. I can pick out the waitress who brought me the food.”
“Then do it,” said the detective.
Willie asked Mr. King if he might step out with the detective. “Certainly,” replied the Chief. “Ask one of the clerks to keep his eye on the door.”