CLASS DAY

“Some of you seniors will remember Ed Krause who graduated a couple of years ago,” Fordney said to his class. “Well, I met Ed last night—he’s an FBI Special Agent—and he had an experience recently that I’m sure will interest you fellows.

“Krause and his colleague, George Hoffman, worked as farm hands on the farm of Otto Shendrik and Honus Wenger, both suspected of subversive activities. One day Shendrik’s actions made it imperative that Ed contact Hoffman at a previously arranged rendezvous. So that evening at sunset he was stricken with a terrific toothache and asked Shendrik if he could drive his car to the general store for medication.

“The suspicious and penurious farmer agreed—if Ed paid for the gas. The general store was exactly 6½ lonely miles due north of the farm and Shendrik said he got exactly 13 miles to the gallon of gas. Well, after Shendrik noted the mileage on the speedometer, Krause paid him for a gallon. Shendrik warned him not to go a foot beyond the store! He wasn’t a-goin’ to have his tires worn out traipsin’ about!

“What a dilemma for Ed! He had to show up at the store—Shendrik might check—but his meeting place was 2 miles east on a road 1 mile south of the store. And he didn’t know how to disconnect or alter the speedometer. If it showed over 13 miles of travel Ed knew he would be dismissed. Yet he had to contact Hoffman!

“Ed’s smart,” concluded the Professor, “and was equal to the occasion. He drove to the store, to his rendezvous with Hoffman and back to the farm. He didn’t touch the speedometer (nor did anyone else), yet when Shendrik checked it registered exactly 13 additional miles. How did Krause manage it?”

How did he? Turn page for solution.