“Washington, 16, 18 D.
“Albert Rawolle, on Central Pneumatic No. 3, east:
“Telegram received. Stop at Cairo. Submarine boat Tracer ordered there to take you and Cobb through Central Sea.
“By order Secretary State.
“Harry G. Collins, Chief Clerk.”
Cobb read it through twice ere he ventured any remark; then, handing it back while a troubled look overspread his countenance, he said:
“Cairo is in Illinois, at the junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi; but I fail to comprehend the import of the words ‘Central Sea.’ The submarine boat spoken of does not surprise me, for I would naturally expect that that which was almost an accomplished fact in 1887, would be an actual success at this late date.”
“There is no Ohio River, or not as was in your time. The Ohio is now but a small stream flowing into the Central Sea,” replied Rawolle.
“Again those words ‘Central Sea;’ what does it mean? Is there an inland sea?” and Cobb looked inquiringly at both of the others.