Just then the lights flashed over an incoming train board and Bob turned and walked toward the train gates. Passengers started coming through the gate and among the first was the bulky form of Condon Adams. Bob called to him and Adams turned aside. “How’s Tully?” asked Bob, who was really concerned over the condition of the young federal agent. Condon Adams’ face lighted up, for he was genuinely fond of his nephew and Bob’s inquiry touched a soft spot. “Getting along fine,” he said. “Oh, he’s pretty sore and all that, but he’ll be able to continue on his assignment in two or three more days.” “It was a tough break,” said Bob and Adams nodded. “What’s been going on?” he asked. “Plenty,” replied Bob. “My uncle was kidnaped earlier this evening.” Adams dropped his bag and whirled to Bob. “What’s that?” he demanded, as though unable to believe the words. “My uncle disappeared this evening and everything points to a kidnaping by this gang of smugglers we’re after,” explained Bob. Condon Adams threw back his head and laughed, but it was a grim sort of laugh that sent chills down Bob’s neck. “Well that’s good,” snorted Adams. “Merritt Hughes, ace federal manhunter, kidnaped. I suppose I’ll have to hunt for him now instead of the kidnapers.” “I guess that’s about the size of things,” replied Bob slowly. “I’ve been in touch with Washington. I’m to go on south to Atalissa on my original assignment and you are to take up the hunt here for him. I’ve already got the Jacksonville police on the case. When Tully comes out of the hospital, he is to continue to Nira as first ordered.” “Let’s get some coffee,” said Condon Adams as they walked past the entrance of the station restaurant. The older federal agent slid his traveling bag into a corner and dropped down into a chair. “What a mess to get into,” he said, half to himself and half to Bob. Then he looked up. “Your uncle means quite a lot to you?” Bob nodded. “You know he does. He got me into the service and he’s pretty much of an older brother to me.” A waitress took their orders before Adams spoke again. “Then you know how I feel about Tully; he’s kind of a kid brother to me. But that’s getting away from what I started to say. Your uncle and I have always been rivals in the service. One of us would solve a good case and then the other would win on the next one. He’s never liked the way I got in through a little political help, but on the whole I’ve done a pretty good job. Gosh, I wouldn’t know what to do if anything happened to him to take him out of the service.” “He may be out for good now unless we can find him,” said Bob bitterly. “That’s just it, and Bob, differences are going to be forgotten for the time. Why I wouldn’t be happy if your uncle and I weren’t in some kind of a scrap to see who could solve a new case. We’ll find him and we’ll find him soon.” “Then you’ll work a hundred per cent on the case?” asked Bob.