“Is all this too complex for you, my boy?” Captain Wilson interrupted his discourse with the sudden thought that he was not making it clear to his listener.
“I understand you, Captain Wilson,” the boy answered. So the captain continued. 16
“We think we have found out one source through which we can get information. We must, however, proceed with great caution. Nothing would please the Germans more than to show us up and give surface proof of their good will and good intentions. Incidently, they would give a lot to make those of us who are watching, the laughing stock of Canada and the United States. That is why we must be very careful. We must try to get Washington to see the truth not through any suspicion they may have but by actual, obvious, undeniable evidence. If we can furnish such proof the Government at Washington will find good reason for watching these German-Americans.
“It is for us to get the proof. Once we get that we will not have to worry as to trouble from the other side of the border.
“I suppose,” the captain concluded as they entered the building and made their way to the room in which Major Church was waiting, “you know who some of the men at this conference are. Besides Mr. Dean and myself, Major Smith, our chief, is an ex-army officer. Colonel Graham is Syd Graham’s father. Mr. Smythe comes from Toronto; he is in the employ of the Government. Well, here we are.”
They entered a small room. Major Church 17 put aside some papers on which he had been engaged.
Captain Wilson introduced Ted.
“I have heard of you, young man,” was the major’s greeting. “You are a credit to the school, I find. And we have called you before us because of qualities we find you possess.
“I don’t know how much you do know, lad, but war with Germany is near. Germans masquerading as German-Americans are planning an attempt against Canada and they intend to carry out that attempt just before the immediate declaration of war. We believe that the meetings of the prime movers are held in Milwaukee, possibly in Chicago. It is important for us to know their plans.”
“We perhaps could decide on anyone of several men but it occurred to us that to send one so young as you are would in itself lull any suspicions they may have. They will not connect you with our work, which is in itself half the battle. But, of course, it would not do to send any one who, though young, is not also endowed with a fair amount of good common sense and discretion.”