"Yes, Vivash," he said to the man in the kite a quarter of a mile away. "What is it?"
"Two general service wagons with bridge-making tackle have just been brought up, and are waiting in Welland Wood," reported Vivash. "There is a movement among the colliers over Barfold Rise. With them are about two hundred men carrying rifles. They are not in uniform, but they march."
Salt turned to another instrument and jerked the switch rapidly from plate to plate as he distributed his orders.
"Captain Norris, strengthen the Territorials at the outer wire North."
"Send up two star rockets to recall the motor-cycle scouts."
"Tell Disturnal to have the searchlights in immediate readiness."
"Fire brigade, full strength, turn out with chemical engine, and stand under earthwork cover at central tank."
He turned again to the kite telephone to ask Vivash a detail. There was no response.
"Get on with Lieutenant Vivash as soon as you can, and let me know at once," he said to the one who was in charge, as he returned to the staff room.
In less than a minute the operator was at the door again.