"Oh, yes; all you have to do is to address your telegram to Washington, just as you have done. They know there where to find him and your message will be forwarded."
"Very well. There is the money to pay for the same."
Mike laid a silver quarter on the stand-up desk where she could reach it. But she was busy just then counting the words by tipping them off with the point of her pencil. When through she beamed upon him and announced that the cost would be a little more than five dollars.
"Woorah! woorah! what is it you're sayin'? All the funds I have wid me is about half what you jist named."
"You can save three-fourths of the cost by striking out the unnecessary words. Let me help you."
She obligingly edited the copy. It seemed to Mike that every word was indispensable, but she convinced him to the contrary and finally succeeded in boiling down the message so that the cost of the transmission was reduced to a dollar and a half. Although, as the lad had intimated, his funds were moderate, he paid the sum and the miss lost no time in placing the telegram on the wire.
We have no record of its fate after reaching the national capital. It may have started to find the President on his never ending travels. If so, it no doubt caused him a hearty laugh, but I am afraid he speedily forgot it and the money expended by Mike was wasted.
He thanked the miss for her aid and bade her good-day. Just then the hoarse whistle of a steamer fell upon their ears.
"Phwat's that?" asked Mike, stopping short and looking at her. She glanced through the window before replying.
"It's the Nahanada on her way to Boothbay Harbor."