“This man Folwell is a smooth crook with a tremendous reputation for elusiveness. We have never been able to obtain definite information connecting him with criminal activities. He is the head of a gang that has its ramifications not only up and down the Pacific but in the east, too, in New York.
“Through your instrumentality, we have him by the heels now, and not only him but his agents in our own official circles as well as old Wong Ho.”
“What,” interrupted Jack, “you have arrested that old Chinaman? Why, we had no idea where it was in Chinatown that we had been taken.”
“I know,” said Inspector Burton, “but from Matt Murphy I obtained information that I wired at once to San Francisco, and Wong Ho is in the toils. From Murphy, too, I obtained the names not only of Handby, but of several others in official positions, who have been spies for Folwell. They, too, are being watched and either under arrest already or soon will be. You see,” smiling, “I have had a busy morning.”
“And the other boats employed in the coolie traffic?”
“Ensign Warwick is attending to that matter. They will be rounded up.”
“A good piece of work,” approved Mr. Temple, breaking the silence which followed the Secret Service man’s last remark. “And now, boys, we’ll go back to San Francisco for a day or two while I conclude the business matters which brought me west. Then we’ll return to New Mexico where I will leave you at the Hampton’s for the two or three weeks left of your vacation, while I return to New York.”
Inspector Burton leaned forward, and cleared his throat.
“Mr. Temple, I have a proposition to make to you,” he said.
The older man regarded him with surprise.
“Just this,” said the Secret Service chief. “These boys have been of such service to the country that I want them to have some reward.”
“Oh, we’re not looking for anything,” said Frank quickly.
“My dear boy, I know very well you aren’t. But what I am about to propose may please you, after all. Have you ever been to Washington, the national capital?”
“Well, wouldn’t you like to shake hands with the President? And wouldn’t it be nice to have the Chief of the Secret Service thank you personally for what help you have done?”
The eyes of all three chums shone. The unexpected proposal left them speechless. Mr. Temple spoke for them.