[CHAPTER X]
THE THEFT
THE Secretary of State and Douglas hastened through the wide corridors of the immense State, War, and Navy Building. As they passed an elevator shaft in the navy wing, Douglas caught a fleeting glimpse of Eleanor Thornton in one of the lifts as it shot downward toward the ground floor. On their arrival they were ushered at once into Secretary Wyndham’s private office.
“Glad to see you,” exclaimed Wyndham, “your call is most opportune”—he stopped on seeing Douglas standing behind the Secretary of State, and his eyebrows went up questioningly.
“This is Mr. Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American Embassy at Tokio, Wyndham,” explained the Secretary of State.
“How are you, sir.” The Secretary of the Navy shook hands brusquely. “Will you both be seated?”
“I brought Mr. Hunter with me that he might tell you of certain information which he gathered in Japan about some prospective movements of their navy.” He glanced significantly at Douglas, who nodded understandingly, and without more words gave a clear, concise statement of naval affairs in Japan, omitting all mention of other matters.
Secretary Wyndham listened to his remarks with the closest attention. When he ceased speaking Wyndham sprang from his chair and, walking over to the adjoining room, spoke to his confidential clerk, then closed the door and returned.
“I have told him to admit no one,” he explained briefly, as he seated himself in his swivel chair.
“May we see the new charts of the Pacific?” inquired the Secretary of State, moving his chair closer to the other’s desk.