Towne’s humanity and citizenship were lauded due to the fact that though there were no witnesses, the candidate stopped immediately and rendered what assistance he could and then made a prompt and full report to the authorities despite the fact that such action might prove detrimental to his political aspirations.

Chief of Police C. E. Dyer stated that Mr. Towne had been released on his own recognizance and expressed the personal belief that the accident had been unavoidable, though he promised the citizens of El Paso a full investigation. The dispatch also stated that the parents of Private James Brown in Cleveland, Ohio, were being notified of their son’s death by army authorities.

Three vertical lines in Shayne’s forehead deepened into trenches as he read the dispatch with great care. He looked up to ask, “When was your son’s letter written, Mrs. Delray?”

“Yesterday morning. He sent it airmail. And he said he had a pass to go to town and see some man about the spy business in the afternoon. Do you suppose — it wasn’t an accident, Mr. Shayne?”

Shayne shook his head. “I happen to know Jeff Towne. Knew him ten years ago,” he amended, “and I’m certain Towne isn’t the type to be mixed up in a spy ring.” He glanced down at the dispatch and muttered, “Running for mayor? He must have been doing all right these past ten years.”

“But there must be some reason for it.” Mrs. Delray’s voice trembled urgently. “Couldn’t be just happenstance.”

“You’re not certain the James Brown mentioned here is your son,” Shayne reminded her. “It’s a very common name. And this James Brown appears to have parents in Cleveland, Ohio.”

“It’s my Jimmie. I know it is. He wouldn’t tell the truth about where his folks live, I guess, enlisting under a different name and all.”