“First help me enter these way-bills and check up the express packages so I can deliver them to this mob.”
“My business isn’t checking up express; but I like you, young fellow, so, go ahead. Only you talk too much.”
“Just a moment!”
At these words coming from the other end of the office, the lineman and the operator looked around. The military-looking man and his companion had entered the room unobserved and 17 stood at the counter listening to the colloquy between the Eastern boy and the plainsman––for neither of the two were more than boys. Dancing saluted the new-comers. “It’s Colonel Stanley and Bob Scott,” he exclaimed.
Bucks walked forward. Stanley handed him a message. “You are the night operator? Here is a despatch for General Park. Get it out for me right away, will you?”
Dancing came forward to the railing. “How are you, Bill?” said Stanley, greeting the lineman as Bucks read the long message. “I am going up into the mountains next week, and I am just asking General Park for a cavalry detail.”
“Going to need me, Colonel?”
“Better hold yourself ready. Can you read that, young man?” he asked, speaking to Bucks.
“Yes, sir.”
“Lose no time in getting it off.”