Two hours later I reached Mount Vernon and was surprised, as I left the train, to find General Wood himself waiting on the platform.
“You got back quickly, General,” I said.
He gave me a sharp glance. “Back from where?”
“Why, from where you met our train.”
“Your train? What train? I came here to meet Mr. Edison.”
“But you did meet him—two hours ago—in your automobile—at Hyattsville.”
The general stared in amazement. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I haven’t left Mount Vernon. I haven’t seen Mr. Edison. What has happened? Tell me!”
“Wait!” I said, as the truth began to break on me. “Is there a Captain Campbell on your staff?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Then—then—” I was trying to piece together the evidence.