"It's the least I can do," I said. "But," I added sternly, "you've got to put yourself completely in my hands. You mustn't question a thing I tell you to do. You see, this isn't going to be easy. I'll have to go about it in a rather roundabout way. And it may take a little while."
"Oh, I don't care," the young man said happily. "Anything you say is all right with me."
"Fine." I glanced at my watch. "We've got to go now. You follow me."
"Sure, Mr.—"
"Flannigan," I said automatically.
"But, Mr. Flannigan, that isn't the name you use on your column."
"Naturally," I said. "Very sharp of you to catch that. I might get you into Intelligence, even if only as a decoy. The name I use on the column is a pseudonym."
"Oh!"
"Now come along with me."
I hurriedly got my young phantom out of the Soldier's Friend office before anyone could butt in and ruin everything. When we were safely ensconced in my own office, I waved the young man to a chair.