he Admiral stated that the Chief of the Washington District was in no
immediate danger but that a prolonged rest was necessary. The paper
gave a glowing tribute to the detective's life and work and stated
that he had been given sick leave for an indefinite period and that he
was leaving at once for the fishing lodge of his friend, Dr. Bird of
the Bureau of Standards, at Squapan Lake, Maine. Dr. Bird, the article
concluded, would accompany and care for his stricken friend. Carnes
laid aside the paper with a gasp.

* * * * *

"Do you know what all this means?" Carnes demanded.

"It means, Carnsey, old dear, that the fishing at Squapan Lake should
be good right now and that I feel the need of accurate information on
the subject. I didn't want to go alone, so I engineered this outrage
on the government and am taking you along for company. For the love of
Mike, look sick from now on until we are clear of Washington. We leave
to-night. I already have our tickets and reservations and all you have
to do is to collect your tackle and pack your bags for a month or two
in the woods and meet me at the Pennsy station at six to-night."

"And yet there are some people who say there is no Santa Claus," mused
Carnes. "If I had really broken down from overwork, I would probably
have had my pay docked for the time I was absent, but a man with
official pull in this man's government wants to go fishing and presto!
the wheels move and the way is clear. Doctor, I'll meet you as
directed."

"Good enough," said Dr. Bird. "By the way, Carnes," he went on as the
operative opened the door, "bring your pistol."

Carnes whirled about at the words.

"Are we going on a case?" he asked.

"That remains to be seen," replied the Doctor enigmatically. "At all
events, bring your pistol. In answer to any questions, we are going
fishing. In point of fact, we are--with ourselves as bait. If you have
a little time to spare this afternoon you might drop around to the
office of the _Post_ and get them to show you all the amnesia cases
they have had stories on during the past three months. They will be
interesting reading. No more questions now, old dear, we'll have lots
of time to talk things over while we are in the Maine woods."

* * * * *

Late the next evening they left the Bangor and Aroostook train at
Mesardis and found a Ford truck waiting for them. Over a rough trail
they were drive