To his surprise the lawyer for a moment remained silent, then said slowly, “Of course I would like to believe that. In fact it would make an invaluable piece of evidence—practically conclusive.
“But really now, how could you be sure it was Orr you heard? What possible difference can there be between the ticks made over a telegraph wire by one distant operator, and those made by another?”
“Why, all the difference in the world, sometimes, sir,” declared Jack. “Any operator would tell you that. I would recognize Jack Orr’s sending anywhere I heard it.”
But the lawyer at the other end was still incredulous. “Well,” he said at last, “if the jury was made up of telegraph operators, perhaps your claim might go. As it is, however—”
“Say, I have it!” cried Alex. “Let me give a demonstration right there in court of my ability to identify the sending of as many different operators as we can get together, including Jack Orr. Could you arrange that?”
The lawyer was interested at last. “But could you really do it? Are you really that sure?”
“I am absolutely positive,” declared Alex.
“Then you come right ahead,” was the decisive response. “Come down here by the first train in the morning, and bring two or three other operators, and the necessary instruments.
“And if you can prove what you claim, I’ll guarantee that your friend is clear.”
“Hurrah! Then he is clear!” cried Alex joyously.