Colonel Graham: “If we could but know their plans, or even get an inkling of them. It is almost of no moment for them to get into Canada, except that we would become the laughing stock of the world should they capture Toronto or Montreal or Quebec. They would enter today, then tomorrow they would declare war.”
“Aye,” said Major Church, “the States will be neutral and honestly so, but the Washington Government cannot take any note of such trouble in an apparent time of peace.”
“When I was in Chicago, just before I met Sands, I found out one thing. That the headquarters of Germans in America would most likely be in Milwaukee. It is a city essentially German; sympathy would be with them. But it’s one thing to know that—another thing to know the one or two concrete things they might do. That they are meeting and planning, we are sure. To plan to get into one of these meetings is the big object of this conference. Is it not so, Major?” John Dean turned to the chairman inquiringly.
“It is, Mr. Dean. Our big asset now is that they do not know we suspect anything. They must continue not to, until the time comes. For, if they did, it might go further and upset the plans of the Cabinet in London. Who could find out these things for us, and yet not arouse suspicion?”
Many men were suggested, but none of them were satisfactory.
Suddenly Captain Wilson spoke: “I have just the one for it, if he will do it. He is not Canadian, not even English, but he might want to do it.” He turned to John Dean—“I am speaking of Ted. He has a good head, is cool and his youth would be a tremendous advantage and make it unlikely for them to suspect him.”
Every one of the men looked at Dean for his opinion. He was thoughtful for many minutes.
“It is up to Ted,” he finally said. “If he agrees to do it, I know he will bring us some information. But you, Mr. Smythe, will have to get information from the service as to where the enemy’s headquarters are at present.”
CHAPTER XIV
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.”