BOUND FOR CHICAGO
“You see, gentlemen,” Major Church said, “if the Germans find out there
is a leak they will suspect that it leads to Washington. They have
infinite contempt for our Government in London and in Ottawa. They
know there are a few men who suspect them, but they believe London
and Ottawa are beautifully hoodwinked, and that these few men are not
worth bothering with. That suits us. It would be fatal for them to
have Washington suspect them. We, on the other hand, must proceed with
caution, for they will try to catch us in a trap and show how foolish
we are to question their good will and intentions. Nothing would fall
in with their plans so well as to make us the laughing stock of Canada
and the United States. So we must be equally cautious. If Washington
finds out the truth, however, not through belief, nor even suspicion,
but by actual, obvious, undeniable proof--it will mean that there
will be reason for watching the future actions of Germans who call
themselves German-Americans. It is for us to get that proof. Once we
get that, we need not worry as to trouble from the other side of the
border.”
“Suppose,” said Colonel Graham, “Mr. Smythe finds out from Toronto
where the headquarters are? They may know that.”
Smythe left the room at once to do so.
Major Church turned to Dean. “Shall we go and talk to the boy?”
“I think, gentlemen, I will be excused. It will be better if I am not
present when you ask him. I do not want him to feel that I am trying
to influence his decision. He is a loyal lad and he would not say no
should I be there. You ask him. But explain it carefully. Let him make
up his own mind.”
When Ted and Mrs. Dean returned from their walk Mrs. Dean went to her
room. Captain Wilson greeted Ted.
“You see, Lucky--I am superstitious, Ted--so I’ll call you Lucky--I
come to you on very important business. Not as Scout to Scout, but as
man to man. Come and meet Major Church, both of us want to talk to you.”
They went into a small room. Major Church put aside some papers on
which he had been busily engaged.
Captain Wilson introduced Ted.
“I have heard of you, young man; you are a credit to the school. We
have called you before us because of those qualities you have already
shown that you possess.
“I don’t know how much you do know, lad, but war with Germany is
near. On the other side of the border there are many Germans who,
masquerading as German-Americans, are Germans in reality. They are
well armed, too. We have reason to believe that they are planning some
attempt against Canada and that they intend to carry out that attempt
just before a declaration of war. We also believe that the meeting
of the prime movers is held in Milwaukee, possibly in Chicago. It is
important for us to know their plans.”
He then carefully gave the reasons for believing that Ted might be
successful in getting information.
“My boy, Canada is not your country. There is no call for you to do it.
You may wish to remain neutral and we do not want you to go unless you
wish to, heart and soul. But should you go, successful or unsuccessful,
you will be rendering us a great service.”
“I want to go,” Ted answered very quietly. “Canada is second only to my
loyalty for my own country.”
Major Church and Captain Wilson gave Ted a hand-clasp which showed
their feelings.
“You are true blue, my lad,” said Major Church. “We will have
information as to location from Mr. Smythe very soon. You can
understand the need of secrecy when our wires are coded. By the way,
Wilson,” he turned to the captain, “you have an instructor in German
here, have you not?”
“We have,” was the reply.
“Better watch him a bit. My theory is that all of these Germans will
bear watching.”
Three hours later Captain Wilson and Ted joined Mr. Smythe, Mr. Dean,
Colonel Graham and Major Church. Mr. Smythe presented the following
wire:
“Smythe,
“Wayland.
“Ekal stroper On. 2 ecalp Ees H.”
“As you know, gentlemen, they have used the simplest code because the
information would only be information for us. It is the reversal of the
letters of a word. Let us see:
“‘Lake Reports No. 2 place. See H.’
“H is Strong. No. 2 is Chicago. Strong is our chief operative there.
Ted will have to see him to get his information and also such help as
he may need. But one thing we know--their headquarters just now are at
Chicago.”
“I am glad of it,” said Ted. “Since Chicago is my home town, I can do
things there and may be successful.”
“Suppose,” said John Dean, “you start tomorrow, Ted. You see, speed is
the thing. That will give you a chance to see your mother and sister,
too.”
“I need hardly say,” said the major, “that even your mother had best
not know about this, unless it should be actually necessary. Secrecy is
imperative.”
“I know that, sir,” Ted replied.
“One thing more,” Major Church added, and he spoke to the men in
the room. “No matter who asks about Ted, he has gone home to see
his mother; someone is not well, let us say. The slightest hint or
suspicion as to the purpose of his trip would frustrate it. Will you,
Mr. Smythe, telegraph to Toronto, and tell the chief just what has been
done?”
Mr. Smythe nodded his head.
Ted went out first. As he closed the door, another door far down the
hall opened, a head came out, a very German head--the head of Mr.
Pfeffer, instructor in that language. Quietly and quickly it was
withdrawn. Ted did not observe this; if he had, it probably would not
have had any meaning for him. Mr. Pfeffer was a very curious gentleman,
he would have given much to know the purpose of the meeting; even
now, he was debating with himself whether he should do some innocent
questioning of Ted. He decided against it.
Just before retiring, Captain Wilson came into Ted’s room.
“It seems silly to distrust Pfeffer, Lucky, still when you get to a
station, say Winnipeg, I would telegraph your mother that you are
coming. If any questions should be asked of her, she should say that
she knows you are coming. See? It is best to be safe and to guard
against everything.”
Early morn saw Ted on the train. It was announced to those who made
inquiries that Ted had been called home. Mr. Pfeffer received the
information with private wonder and doubt.
He took occasion to stroll down to the telegraph office later that same
day.
“Hello, Peter,” he said to the operator.
Peter turned around to see if anyone was about, then brought out a copy
of the coded telegram.
“Easy code, professor--what does it mean?” His copy already had
translated the words properly.
“It may mean nothing or it may mean everything. The boy is going to
Chicago--perhaps Chicago is No. 2--perhaps not. Peter, you had better
send a telegram. Better be sure, eh?”
“Why would they be sending a child and for what?” Peter was incredulous.
“Did the boy send a telegram?” Mr. Pfeffer asked. “I had better see
them all.”
But there was none that had been sent that morning to Chicago.
A long wire, also in code, went forward from Mr. Pfeffer to Chicago.
Then that worthy strolled back to the Academy.