“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.” A minute later I had Miss Ryerson on the ‘phone and as soon as I heard her voice I knew that something was wrong. “What does she say?” asked the general anxiously, as I hung up the receiver. “She is very much distressed. She says Widding and her brother disappeared from the hotel last night and no one has any idea where they are.”