Once in the private room, Bob dropped into a leather upholstered chair. Calling long distance, he asked for a certain number in Washington that was called only when something of the utmost importance happened. “Lines north are busy at present,” said the operator. But the information Bob had could not wait and he asked for the chief operator. In quick, terse sentences he explained who he was and the importance of his message. Faint clicking sounds could be heard in the receiver, then Washington answered and Bob knew that his call was being given the right-of-way over everything else. A quiet voice asked, “Who’s speaking?” and Bob knew that he was in contact with Waldo Edgar, the grim, efficient head of the government’s greatest man-hunting division. “This is Bob Houston. I’m at the central police station at Jacksonville. Merritt Hughes, my uncle, has been kidnaped within the last few hours.” “What’s that?” There was explosive energy in the question which was hurled back over the wires. Bob repeated his message, elaborating a little this time. “But Bob, that’s impossible.” “I thought so too, at first,” confessed Bob, “but after that warning phone call I changed my mind.” “Call your hotel again. I’ll hold the line.” Bob stepped outside and from another phone got in touch with his hotel. There had been no word about his uncle, the clerk assured him, and Bob returned to the private room, where he relayed the news northward. He heard Waldo Edgar’s breath suck in. “What have you done?” came the question, and Bob was ready. He told of his own attempt and added that he had enlisted the aid of the Jacksonville police. “That’s right as far as you’ve gone,” said his chief. “Unfortunately a big kidnaping has broken in the midwest and all of the extra men are concentrated there. Condon Adams will be back in Jacksonville shortly after midnight and you must get in touch with him.” There was a brief pause while the federal chief mulled over plans for his next strategy. “This isn’t going to be easy to do, Bob,” he said, “but I’m counting on you going to your assignment at Atalissa at once. This gang must be about to pull off a really big job and I have a feeling the disappearance of your uncle is a step to keep federal men from concentrating further south along the coast. Get all of the information you can and turn it over to Condon Adams when he arrives. Then you continue south and Adams will take up the search for your uncle. As soon as additional men can be spared, they will be sent to aid you.” Chapter XXII A HARD ASSIGNMENT ★ It was a hard assignment to take, but Bob acquiesced. He would have preferred to remain in Jacksonville and search for his uncle, but he realized the logic in Waldo Edgar’s deductions.