The young federal agent glanced across the compartment to where Tully was seated and he was surprised to note that the papers in the confidential report on the smuggling ring were scattered on the seat beside Tully. What was even more astounding was the pallor of Tully’s face, and the glassy stare in his eyes. “Tully,” cried Bob, “what’s the matter?” But there was no response from Tully except a slight twitching of his lips which indicated that he might be trying to answer. “Tully,” repeated Bob, “what’s the matter?” The sharp questions voiced by the young federal agent caused Hamsa also to turn and stare at Tully. Bob was less than six feet away from Tully, yet the other failed to answer his questions or to give any sign of recognition. He sat there like a man under a hypnotic spell. Bob leaped to his feet and in one long stride was beside Tully. With firm hands he grasped Tully’s shoulders and shook him vigorously. Tully’s head dropped forward on his chest and he seemed suddenly to collapse, sliding forward off the leather bench and falling to the floor. Chapter VI STRANGE EVENTS ★ Tully’s collapse came so suddenly that Bob was unable to check his fall to the floor, but he leaned down almost instantly and lifted Tully back on one of the benches. Bob’s face was close to Tully’s and he caught a whiff of an acrid smell on Tully’s breath. His companion’s breathing was slow and distinctly labored. Bob grasped one of Tully’s wrists and checked the pulse beat. His knowledge of first aid was somewhat limited, but the steadiness of the pulse count reassured him and he decided that Tully had probably fallen victim to a sudden fainting attack. Joe Hamsa leaned over Bob and attempted to aid him in ministering to Tully. “Anything I can do?” he asked. “Get a cup of water,” said Bob, and Hamsa hastened away to do his bidding. He was back soon with the paper cup brimming full of water. Bob moistened his handkerchief in this and bathed Tully’s cheeks and forehead while Hamsa loosened his tie and collar, and massaged his wrists. Just then the Pullman conductor came into the compartment. “What’s doing here?” he asked. Bob answered without looking up. “I think my companion suffered a fainting attack. Have you any smelling salts?” “I have some in my first aid kit up ahead,” replied the conductor, departing to obtain it. He returned in less than a minute with the smelling salts and Bob gave Tully several deep sniffs from the pungent smelling bottle. The penetrating qualities of the salts seemed to reach Tully’s subconscious mind and draw away the curtain which had clouded his consciousness. He made an effort to rouse himself but Bob speaking in a low voice forced him back on the leather bench. “Take it easy, Tully,” he advised. “You’ll feel stronger in a short time.”