The German spy made no complaint at the police office. One of a wonderful nation, he took it calmly, boarded a train to the United States and, probably, just as painstakingly, began the work over again in a few days.
Captain Wilson, a few days later, announced that a special drill of the Infantry and Cavalry Divisions of the Academy would be held on the Saturday following. It was to precede an inspection of the Scouts—tests and promotions were to be made.
There were to be some officers and other gentlemen present. He knew, he said, that the students of Wayland would come up to their usually high standard.
Many of the boys’ fathers and guardians were to be at the drill-inspection. Syd’s father, Colonel Graham, John Dean (with whom Mrs. Dean was coming to see Ted) and about six others were due on one train which ran from Derby, a junction station just below Wayland.
Captain Wilson decided that the Cavalry Squad should meet this train at Derby, so at eight o’clock, Saturday morning, they started.
The road runs along the railroad track almost the entire way. When they reached about three-quarters of the distance, Captain Wilson ordered a halt and the boys rested. Some of them went walking a little way, for the captain had allowed them fifteen minutes’ time. He did not want to get to Derby too early.
As Ted walked down the track he saw some men working on the road. He passed them by and at a turn sat down on a tree trunk to tie his shoelace. As he got up and went on, the impression stayed with him that the tree trunk he had sat on had but just been hewn. What a big tree it had been!
When the men saw him returning a few minutes later they stopped short in their work. They watched him as he passed on. Without appearing to do so, the boy was also watching and observing. He did not let them see that his suspicions were aroused. When the road turned again, he hastened his steps. The boys were just mounting, but he asked Captain Wilson if he could speak to him for a minute.
Very briefly he explained. He thought it looked like an attempt at train-wrecking.
“It’s quite possible,” said Captain Wilson. “They probably know just who is coming and figure on maiming or killing a number of important people.”