He bolted into the room like a man in a hurry, his face flushed, his eyes bright, his voice resonant when impulsively inquiring:
“All ready, Vic?”
Then he checked himself and exclaimed quickly, as if unexpectedly beholding Nick in the room:
“Why, hello, Carter! You here? Glad to see you again.”
“The pleasure is mutual, Mr. Badger,” replied Nick, rising to accept the other’s proffered hand.
“Thanks,” nodded Badger. “Have you got a line on those infernal crooks yet?”
“No, not as yet.”
“Sorry to hear it.”
“But I’m hoping to do so.”