“You are right, and very just, Mr. President,” exclaimed the Secretary. “This phase of the case must be sifted to the bottom in absolute secrecy. It would be ruinous to let the outside world know you even suspect your Attorney General guilty of murder. The effect would be appalling. Now, Tillinghast—” he spoke with greater emphasis—“I know you to be a man of integrity. You have already shown great skill in this affair; therefore, I am going to ask you to go and see the Attorney General as my representative, and ask him for an explanation. Then come and report to me. I could send one of the Secret Service men, but the fewer people involved in this scandal the better.”
“I’ll do my very best, Mr. Secretary, to merit your trust,” said Dick, warmly. “But how am I to reach the Attorney General? He refuses to see any newspaper men.”
“That is easily arranged,” said the Secretary. “May I borrow pen and ink, Mr. President?” drawing some note paper toward him as he spoke. “I’ll write a few lines asking him to see you; that will be all that is necessary.”
Quickly Secretary Bowers’ hand traveled over the paper; then, folding it neatly, he handed the note to Dick, saying:
“Don’t fail us, Tillinghast; remember we depend on your tact and discretion. I would see Trevor myself, but my time is entirely taken up with the Grand Duke Sergius’ presence in the city. He dines with the President to-night, as you doubtless know....”
“Come in,” called the President, as a discreet knock interrupted the Secretary. Burton entered and handed him a note.
“This is marked ‘Immediate and Personal,’ Mr. President. Recognizing the handwriting, I brought it right in.”
As the President tore open the envelope and rapidly read its contents, Secretary Bowers turned to Dick, who was standing by the desk awaiting an opportunity to depart, and said quickly:
“Come and see me at the State Department to-morrow morning at nine o’clock.”
The President signaled to Burton to withdraw; then he looked directly at the Secretary of State and Dick.