A few more sentences of similar purport were sent in reply to other messages received. Then "Bill" cut the radio conversation short with a warning that he did not dare continue it longer and left the table. As he got up from his seat, Hal stepped into the cabin and remarked:
"Congratulations, 'Bill'; I didn't know you were a radio fan. But really,
I'm glad to recognize you as an old acquaintance."
"Bill" turned as white as the proverbial sheet and trembled like the aspen of similar associations. Then he blurted out:
"I don't know what you mean."
"Do you deny that you were just telegraphing a message to a friend of yours?" Hal demanded.
"No, not at all," replied "Bill". "I guess that ought to convince you I'm not the criminal you're trying to make me out to be."
"I'm not trying to make you out a criminal. I surely hope you're not. No, I don't believe there are many criminals among radio fans and college students."
"College students!"
"Say, 'Bill Howard', don't try to play the innocent to a fellow who's been listening-in to your unconscious confessions ever since you began to talk in your sleep," Hal scoffed with well simulated disgust. "I know well enough who you are. You're one of the sophomores of Edward's College who hazed Alvin Baker by marooning him on that island where his cousin shot you with a slingshot."
"Bill's" lower jaw dropped, and there was some more aspen trembling in his frame.