“That was the time I had Tom get Kittridge for me, when I refused to consent to an adjournment,” put in Mr. Boise.
“But the second call? The call when the secret was disclosed?” asked Mr. Cutler.
“That was not made by your operator here,” said Miss Renfield firmly.
“Are you sure?” demanded the junior partner.
“Quite sure. I recall wondering at the time who was calling up. The call came in at one fifty-seven.”
“This is preposterous!” exclaimed Mr. Cutler. “No one can remember that!”
“I made a record of it,” declared the young lady. “It was exactly one fifty-seven.”
“And that’s the time I was out to lunch!” exclaimed Tom suddenly. “I was with my chum, Charley Grove! He can prove it!”
Mr. Cutler looked confused. But he was not going to give up yet.
“I think this young lady means all right,” he said, “but I doubt if she can so readily distinguish voices over the wire. I believe she is in error. I think Tom Baldwin sent that message.”