- formed, changed week by week. Further, it was learned that
the system followed by L's New York friends was to give men physical examinations, and if found fit, to furnish free transportation through the channels mentioned above. The sole requirements were loyalty to Germany and a sound physique. Operative stated that he showed surprise when L gave him this information, and said: "Then the report that a German captain was seen in New York was true?" F replied: "Certainly, they stay there a week at a time, taking in the theatres and waiting for their cargoes to be delivered at various ports, where they pick them up on their way to Germany."
R furnished the name of the New York man for the current week, and a good operative went to New York to confer with the Special Agent of D. J. there and with the New York Division A. P. L. General Delivery was covered, but nothing showed. A second week was tried with the same result. Operative was then asked to arrange an interview with F for his supposed cousin, but F, according to operative, refused to talk or to see this cousin.
R came back to us declaring that F knew he was being watched and suspected him, and might kill him. Tension was high at local headquarters. Then we started in to investigate R who had been our informant right along. We learned that his record was none too good, for he had offered to procure releases for drafted men for amounts ranging from $15 to $30 a head. We then traced R back to Buffalo and got this report: "Great talker and fine salesman, but always away over his head." In other words there was no case and never had been one. By this time we had almost forgotten E, the thrift stamp man. We were younger in detective work then than we were later.
A report comes from Jamestown, New York, regarding one
whom we will call Henry D, described as follows:
"Known to many in this town as strongly pro-German; a
radical socialist; believed to be an anarchist; has been very
active going from one town to another. He left Jamestown
for Rockford, Illinois; he went thence to Chicago, thence to
Grand Rapids. From the latter city he came back to Jamestown.
He has now gone to New York. We understand he
is contemplating a trip to the old country. Has been very
secretive about his movements. Seems to spend a great
deal of money in travel, although he is only a workman; has
