His hand trembled perceptibly as he opened his key, and Allan, as he put on his coat, noticed the confused way in which he started to answer the dispatcher’s question about the position of a train.
The dispatcher cut in sharply.
“Who is this?” he asked.
“Nevins.”
“What’s the matter—been out all night?”
Nevins, who knew that Allan had heard the question, reddened to his ears.
“Now try again,” added the dispatcher, “and brace up.”
Nevins, by a mighty effort, controlled his uncertain muscles, and sent the remainder of the message accurately, but considerably slower than usual.
The dispatcher acknowledged it.