After a little wait, a languid voice answered: “Brooklyn, Main 6969, Party C.”
“Give me the number again—I want to speak on the wire.”
After another delay, the voice replied “The line has been discontinued.”
“I just had it! What is the name of the subscriber. Hurry, this is a matter of life and death.”
“It's against the rules to give any further information. But our record shows that the house burned down about two weeks ago. No one else has been given the number. There's no instrument there!”
CHAPTER II. THE FLEETING PROMPTER
Monty's puzzled smile was in no wise reciprocated by the Captain, whose red face evidenced a growing resentment.
He began a tirade, but a wink from the club man warned him. Shirley replaced the receiver, and the regular attendant resumed his place at the switchboard. The lad was curious at the unusual ability of the wealthy Mr. Shirley to handle the bewildering maze of telephone attachments. Monty explained, as he turned to go upstairs.
“Son, that was one of my smart friends trying to play a practical joke on my guest. I fooled him. Don't let it happen again, until you send in the party's name first.”