“There’s nothing crazy about this story. It only confirms our realization that some tremendously powerful force is after these radio secrets. We know now that only a part of the secret papers were taken from the file last night. The others had not been sent over from the radio engineering division of the War Department.” “But how could those papers get out of the office last night?” put in Condon Adams. “That’s for you and Hughes here to determine. You’re on this case, but I’m going to add a couple of special agents to help you out. It isn’t that I think you’re not capable, but I believe several inside men in the archives division will be tremendously helpful to you and I don’t want to have outsiders go in there.” Waldo Edgar turned toward Bob and Tully and looked at them through searching eyes. His scrutiny of Bob was fairly brief, but he appeared to be making a more careful appraisal of Tully, and Bob thought he saw just a flicker of doubt in the federal chief’s eyes. “It is decidedly irregular for this division to take on additional men, and especially very young men, but when we feel a case merits unusual attention, we do not hesitate to cut away the red tape and employ the individuals we want to serve us. Bob, would you consider joining the bureau of investigation as a provisional agent, working directly out of my office and solely upon this radio case?” Bob’s heart went into his throat and he choked in answering. “I’d like that very much, sir. I’ll do my best.” “I feel sure that you will. Tully, how about you?” “Great stuff. Count me in.” Waldo Edgar nodded. “I thought you would both agree. Wait just a moment.” The federal chief left the room and when he returned he had a Bible in one hand and several small leather cases in another. “Place your left hands on the Bible and raise your right hands,” he directed. Then he read a brief pledge, which they repeated after him. The pledge administered, Waldo Edgar handed one of the leather cases to Tully and the other to Bob. “You will find your identification cards in there as well as a small gold badge. Further instructions will be given you later in the day. I’m expecting a great deal from each of you.” After shaking hands with each of them he hurried away and Bob looked down at the identification card in the leather case. He was now Bob Houston, Special Agent Nine. Chapter XV A REAL JOB AHEAD ★ There was a strange mist in Bob’s eyes as he looked up at his uncle. “Shake, Bob. You’ve got a real job ahead of you and I know you’ll come through with flying colors.” “Thanks a lot. This is the biggest thing that has ever come to me and I’m going to succeed if it is at all possible.” There was a grim sort of a chuckle from Tully Ross, who had shoved his leather case with its card and badge into an inside pocket.