But when, a few moments later, they heard some one calling their letters and this was followed by a question as to their location and the information that the inquirer was the government operator at Fort Randolph, Canal Zone, Panama, the two
boys could only stare at each other in utter amazement.
“Jehoshaphat!” exclaimed Frank at last. “We were heard clear down in Panama! Why that’s pretty near 2000 miles!”
“Almost as good as that fellow over in Jersey who was heard in Scotland and Honduras!” cried Tom. “Hurrah, Frank! Let’s try again.”
But despite every effort the boys failed to get a reply from any one more than fifty or sixty miles distant and realized that, by some peculiar atmospheric condition, their dots and dashes had been carried through the ether for twenty times and more their normal sending range.
“That’s something to tell Dad,” declared Tom, and rushing down the stairs he excitedly told his mother of the wonderful feat.
“I suppose it is remarkable, if you say so,” said Mrs. Pauling, “but really, I can’t see why you should not talk to Balboa or Europe or any other point if you can talk to your father’s ship out at sea. One is just as wonderful as the other to me. But I’m proud of you just the same, Tom.”
When, the next day, Mr. Pauling arrived, Tom
could scarcely wait to relate the story of his freak message and his father was enthusiastic enough to satisfy any boy.
“Marvelous!” he declared. “And the operator on the San Jacinto tells me you’ve improved a lot since he first talked to you. Says you can send well and had no trouble in getting his message at regular speed. I’m mighty glad you’ve done so well, Son. Just as soon as I have a chance I’m coming up to see that wonder set of yours. How many have you built since I’ve been gone?”