“Actual tests last week proved the practicability of my invention and I then set it down in detail for final filing. Of course we knew that other powers were aware of the line along which the experiments had been carried out, but our real source of worry was that they might get their hands on the actual details of operation. For that reason it was decided to file the material in various sections and to make no special fuss about it.”
“And the paper stolen last night was the first section of your file?” asked Merritt Hughes, restraining his eagerness no longer.
The army officer nodded.
“Right. It was the original. The one on my desk is a copy. The other originals are in a safe in this building.”
“Is there enough information on the first section which was stolen to reveal your plan in full?” asked Bob.
“That’s something that would depend upon the cleverness of the men into whose hands it is delivered. There is one European power whose radio experts are well advanced along the line on which I have been working. If this document is delivered into their hands, there is a good chance that it contains information which would be of value to them.”
“But so far we have no idea who is behind the theft last night,” said the federal agent. “Have you any hunches?”
Major McCreary shook his head.
“Nothing strong enough to give you any leads. But I’ll let you know the minute anything develops. In the meantime, make every effort to recover this paper. Once it passes beyond the boundaries of this country it may fall into the hands of men smart enough and unscrupulous enough to learn its meaning and put it to their own selfish use. It is a secret which would give them unlimited powers of destruction.”
After they had left Major McCreary’s office Bob looked at his uncle.