“All right,” the chief told him, “If I get the chance I’ll do it and don’t you forget it.” “I won’t,” the doctor promised as he turned and left the room. “I guess I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was,” the chief declared as the door slammed shut. “I thought I could pin it on him but I didn’t. He’s a slick one, he is. Of course I believe what you say and there’s no doubt in my mind that he did just what our friend says he did, but unfortunately he doesn’t seem to be in a position to prove it and that’s what counts in this business.” “It seems to me,” Rogers said, “that his only chance now is with that partner of his, although I realize it’s a pretty slim one at that. All he has to do is to say that he knows nothing about it and that’s probably what he will do.” “How about the men who took him there?” Bill asked. “Do you know who they were?” the chief asked turning to the Jap. “I——I’m afraid not. You see it was at night and I didn’t get a good look at them,” he stammered. “But surely he can prove that he was received there,” Gordon suggested. “I’m not so sure about that,” the chief told them. “According to what he says I doubt very much if the regular authorities ever knew he was on the island.” “I’m pretty sure they did not,” the Jap agreed. “Well, chief, what would you advise him to do?” Rogers asked. “What kind of a man is this partner of yours?” the chief asked turning to the Jap. “He’s an American and I always thought he was a good fellow and square until he did this to me.” “But what’s his temperament? Is he quick tempered or hard to get along with?” “I never thought he was.” “Well, if you want my advice, I’d go and walk into the place without giving him any warning and see how he takes it. He’ll most likely want to know where you’ve been and say how he’s tried to find you and all that sort of thing. If he does I’d pretend that I didn’t suspect him at all. Then I’d take the first chance that offers to get rid of him, either buy him out or sell out to him. But the most important thing just at present is that you don’t want to lose your share of the business. How does it strike you?” he asked turning to Rogers. “I believe the plan is the best one under the circumstances. If you can’t prove anything against that doctor I doubt if you can against him. I’d follow out that plan.” “But won’t the doctor call him up and tell him that he’s come back?” Gordon asked. “Not if he’s as smart as I think he is,” the chief told him. “You see, a call can be traced and if we could prove that he did that we’d have a strong point in our favor. Of course he may not think of that but I believe he’ll be sharp enough not to do it.” “Maybe he’ll go around there himself,” Gordon suggested. “Just a minute and we’ll be in a position to know if he does.” The chief pushed a button on his desk and a man in plain clothes entered. “Jerry, did you see that fellow that went out of here a few minutes ago?” the chief asked.