"Curtis Steele - Operator 5 - 3409 - Master of Broken Men" - читать интересную книгу автора (Steele Curtis)

thumbnail pressed upon a corner of it, and a
shining leaf of metal sprang up. The Vice-
President gazed curiously at the right hand of the
young man as the case was proffered toward him.
On the back of that hand shone a peculiar
scar-a black and white marking shaped
strangely like a spread-winged American eagle.
Its wings seemed to flex, as though straining to
take flight, as the young man's fingers moved.
"Perhaps this," he said, "will explain."
Inside the silver case reposed a credential.
The Vice-President's faded eyes brightened as he
read:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
To Whom It May concern:
The identity of the bearer of this letter must
be kept absolutely confidential.
He is Operator 5 of the United States
Intelligence Service.
The signature affixed to the document was
that of the President of the United States.
Quickly Operator 5, otherwise known as
James Christopher, snapped the case shut and
returned it to his pocket. "I am at your service,
sir," he said.
The Vice-President was looking startled. "I
have heard of you, of course, Operator 5," he said
quietly, "from the President. You have served
your country with a most remarkable ability." He
extended his hand and Jimmy Christopher
gripped it firmly. "Yet," the Vice-President went on
cautiously, "the very fact that you have been
ordered to watch me gives me some concern.
What is the reason behind your instructions?"
Operator 5 bowed again. "I can only say that
I am following orders given to me by my
superior-as a measure of precaution."
"A precaution?" The Vice-President's
uneasiness grew. "Against what?"
"That, I regret, I am not at liberty to disclose."
"The Vice-President, sir, is asking you for
important information!"
Jimmy Christopher answered with quiet
firmness: "I'm very sorry, but my orders are
absolutely confidential, and I cannot violate them,
sir-not even to answer your question."
The Vice-President frowned indignantly, but
in a moment, his manner eased.
"Very well, young man. I respect you for that.