Silently I studied this unhappy man, wondering if he was telling the truth. He must have felt my doubts.
“Langston, you don’t believe me! Why should I lie to you? I tell you I want to make amends. These German officers trust me. I know their plans and—Oh, my God, aren’t you going to believe me?”
“Go on,” I said, impressed by the genuineness of his despair. “What plans do you know?”
“I know the Germans are disturbed by this patriotic spirit in America. They’re afraid of it. They don’t know where hell may break loose next—after Boston. They’re going to leave Boston alone, everything alone for the present—until they get their new army.”
“New army?”
“Yes—from Germany. They have sent for half a million more men. They’ll have ‘em here in a month and—that’s why I want to do something—before it’s too late.”
As I watched him I began to believe in his sincerity. Handsome fellow! I can see him now with his flushed cheeks and pleading eyes. A spy! It would break his sister’s heart.
“What can you do?” I asked sceptically.
He looked about him cautiously and lowered his voice.
“I can get Edison away from the Germans, and Edison can destroy their fleet.”