"Mr. Bell says so," was the reply, "but we shall see."
Suddenly the Emperor gave a start, and a look of utter amazement came over his face.
"It talks! It talks!" he exclaimed excitedly.
It was quite true. Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Bell's assistant, had spoken in a low voice at the other end of the wire and his exact words had been reproduced. The Emperor's excitement was contagious. Everybody forgot how hot and hungry he was. One after another of the judges listened at the magic box to hear Mr. Hubbard or another of their number speak into the instrument at the other end.
"Oh, Uncle, do you suppose I can listen too after a while?" inquired Arthur, when he could no longer keep still.
Just then Mr. Bell himself interposed.
"Now it must be the little boy's turn."
The grateful little boy was not slow in stooping over to the receiver.
"What does he say, Arthur?" asked his uncle.
"Why, he says, 'To be or not to be,' whatever that means."