It was suspected, he said, that on the roof of the German legation, concealed in the chimney, was a wireless outfit.
He came to suggest that the American minister, representing the German interests, and the chief justice should appoint a joint commission to investigate the truth of the rumor, to take the testimony of witnesses, and make a report.
"Wouldn't it be quicker," said Whitlock, "if you and I went up on the roof and looked down the chimney ?" The chief justice was surprised but delighted.

Together they clambered over the roof of the German legation.

They found that the wireless outfit was a rusty weather-vane that creaked.
When the government moved to Antwerp Whitlock asked permission to remain at the capital.

He believed that in Brussels he could be of greater service to both Americans and Belgians.

And while diplomatic corps moved from Antwerp to Ostend, and from Ostend to Havre, he and Villalobar stuck to their posts.