“That will do,” assented Mr. Boise. “We are ready for the test; eh, Tom?”
“Certainly,” replied our hero, grateful to the girl who had, so opportunely, come to his aid.
Miss Renfield went out, and, in order to make the experiment more certain, a couple of clerks from a neighboring office, who happened to be staying late, were called in. The real reason for the experiment, however, was not explained to them.
Presently Miss Renfield called up. As there were several branch telephones in the law office, at Mr. Boise’s suggestion himself, his partner, Tom, and the two clerks each took one, and Tom connected them all on one central wire.
“Now we are ready,” said Mr. Boise, over the wire.
“Oh, you are Mr. Boise,” exclaimed the girl. “I would know your voice anywhere.”
“That was easy enough to do,” spoke Mr. Cutler, and he talked right into the telephone which was before him, on his desk. Those engaged in the experiment were in rooms opening from the main one, where the switchboard was, and could see each other.
“That was Mr. Cutler,” came back Miss Renfield’s tones, calmly.
“Ah! She had you that time!” exclaimed Mr. Boise.
He motioned for one of the clerks to speak, and the girl at once announced that a stranger was talking. Then the senior partner nodded to Tom.