“What’s that?” exclaimed Harry Ashley. He turned as white as a sheet, and began trembling all over, and stood staring askance at Tom, the instrument and Ben.
[CHAPTER V—A BOY WITH A MYSTERY]
Tom did not take much notice of the strange conduct of the refugee. He was intent on learning what further the receiver would immediately tap out. Ben noted particularly the excitement of their new companion. His attention, too, was instantly diverted through his eagerness to catch the message coming all strange and jumbled by wireless.
“Just as Mr. Edson told us——” he began.
“Ah!” commented Tom.
The big distended eyes of Ben Dixon devoured the instrument with its shining coils and connections. He stood now rooted like a statue.
Finally the message ended. A queer smile crossed Tom’s face.
“Well,” he observed, “Mr. Edson certainly described it perfectly.”
“Yes.”
“And two thousand dollars this time.”