He had built a room or tower as he called it midway up the windmill structure. This was reached through a trap door by a fixed iron ladder. The height and open construction of the windmill enabled the setting of upper wireless paraphernalia in a fine way, and the whole layout was found especially serviceable in carrying out Mr. Edson’s ideas.
The operator was at the window of the little operating room he had built, and waved a cheery welcome to his two young friends. Tom and Ben were up the ladder speedily and through the trap door.
“Did you send for me, Mr. Edson?” inquired Tom.
“Yes, Tom,” replied the operator, “and I’m glad you came so promptly. I’ve got to leave Rockley Cove on short notice.”
“Oh, Mr. Edson, I am very sorry for that!” declared Tom.
“I regret it too, especially so far as you are concerned,” admitted Mr. Edson.
“I was getting on finely,” said Tom in a disappointed tone.
“No reason why you shouldn’t continue,” declared the operator encouragingly. “You have been strictly business all along, Tom. I want to commend you for it, and I have sent for you to make you a business proposition.”
“A proposition?” repeated Tom wonderingly.
“Yes. You have got so that there is very little about the outfit here that you do not understand. The transmitting and receiving end of it is old history to you. In fact I am going to leave you here in entire charge of the station.”