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Page 53
As we talked, the train stopped at Hyattsville, a few miles out of
Washington, and a well-set-up officer in uniform came aboard and
approached us with a pleasant smile.
"Mr. Edison? I am Captain Campbell of General Wood's staff," he said.
"General Wood is outside in his automobile and asks you to join him. The
General thought it would be pleasanter to motor down to Mount Vernon."
"That's very kind," said Edison, rising.
"And, Mr. Langston," continued Captain Campbell, addressing me, "General
Wood presents his compliments and hopes you will dine with Mr. Edison and
himself at seven this evening."
"With pleasure." I bowed and watched them as, they left the train and
entered a military-looking automobile that stood near the track with
curtains drawn. A moment later they rolled away and I settled back in my
seat, reflecting complacently on the high confidence that had been shown
in my discretion.
Two hours later I reached Mount Vernon and was surprised, as I left the
train, to find General Wood himself waiting on the platform.
"You got back quickly, General," I said.
He gave me a sharp glance. "Back from where?"
"Why, from where you met our train."
"Your train? What train? I came here to meet Mr. Edison."
"But you did meet him--two hours ago--in your automobile--at
Hyattsville."
The general stared in amazement. "I don't know what you are talking
about. I haven't left Mount Vernon. I haven't seen Mr. Edison. What has
happened? Tell me!"
"Wait!" I said, as the truth began to break on me. "Is there a Captain
Campbell on your staff?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Then--then--" I was trying to piece together the evidence.
"Well? Go on!" he urged impatiently, whereupon I related the events of
the morning.
"Good Lord!" he cried. "It's an abduction--unquestionably. This Captain
Campbell was a German spy. You say the automobile curtains were drawn?
That made it dark inside, and no doubt the pretended General Wood wore
motor goggles. Before Edison discovered the trick they were off at full
speed and he was overpowered on the back seat. Think of that! Thomas A.
Edison abducted by the Germans!"
"Why would they do such a thing?"
"Why? Don't you see? That invention of Widding's will destroy the German
fleet. It's a matter of life and death to them and Edison knows all about
it--all the details--Widding told him."
"Yes," said I. "My friend Miss Ryerson brought Widding to Mr. Edison a
few days ago, but--how could the Germans have known that?"
The general's face darkened. "How do they know all sorts of things?
Somebody tells them. Somebody told them this."
"But Widding himself knows all about his own invention. It won't do the
Germans any good to abduct Edison unless--"
Our eyes met in sudden alarm.
"By George, you're right!" exclaimed Wood.
"Where is Widding? Is he stopping at your hotel?"
"Yes. We're all there, Miss Ryerson and her brother and Widding and I."
"Call up the hotel--quick. We must know about this."
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