Early morn saw Ted on the train. It was announced to those who made inquiries that Ted had been called home. Mr. Pfeffer received the information with private wonder and doubt.
He took occasion to stroll down to the telegraph office later that same day.
“Hello, Peter,” he said to the operator.
Peter turned around to see if anyone was about, then brought out a copy of the coded telegram.
“Easy code, professor—what does it mean?” His copy already had translated the words properly.
“It may mean nothing or it may mean everything. The boy is going to Chicago—perhaps 23 Chicago is No. 2—perhaps not. Peter, you had better send a telegram. Better be sure, eh?”
“Why would they be sending a child and for what?” Peter was incredulous.
“Did the boy send a telegram?” Mr. Pfeffer asked. “I had better see them all.”
But there was none that had been sent that morning to Chicago.
A long wire, also in code, went forward from Mr. Pfeffer to Chicago. Then that worthy strolled back to the Academy.