“He did, and he didn’t,” Johnny replied shortly. Being young and only an amateur detective, he held the Chief of Police in great respect. For that matter, so did Drew Lane.
“The Chief says,” Johnny went on after swallowing hard, “that ‘the public is already aroused. Why couldn’t they have snatched a senator or a governor instead of the greatest football star of the age?’ That’s what he said.
“There wasn’t much time for saying anything.” Johnny’s excitement grew. “Telephone jangling all the time. Newspaper men, university professors, rich graduates, and all the little fellows who’ve bought tickets for Soldiers’ Field to see the Red Rover rove—all calling at once and demanding that something be done!
“The Chief says you are to raid these places.” He passed a slip of paper to Drew. “Suspected of kidnaping—the gangs that hang out in these places.”
“Not without good reason,” Drew grumbled. “You’d think—”
The telephone rang. Drew snatched the receiver. “Sergeant Lane speaking.”
He listened a moment, then:
“No, Chief. Just got the message. We’ll get those raids off at once.... Yes, some evidence—a bed sheet....
“No—no marks. Bullet, and some shavings....
“Seize all guns, oh, sure! How about jack-knives?...