"Mr. Burbank sent this down, sir," stated Richards. "He said it came in at three o'clock."
Cranston's keen eyes scanned the paper before him. Then the millionaire tossed the message on the bed.
He closed his eyes and tilted his head back as though engaged in deep thought. Doctor Wells could see the paper. It was inscribed with a series of dots and dashes — a wireless code.
Suddenly the millionaire seized a pencil. He wrote rapidly on the reverse side of the paper. Doctor Wells was amazed at his remarkable activity. Cranston paused occasionally as though inspired by sudden thought, then he continued to inscribe his series of dots and dashes. He passed the paper to Richards.
"Tell Burbank to send this."
Doctor Wells noticed that the injured man seemed weary as he laid his head against the pillows.
"Don't try to be mentally active," he said. "It will prove quite as bad as physical strain. I advise you to forget your wireless for a few days."
Lamont Cranston seemed to be giving the matter consideration. Doctor Wells turned to Richards, who had just returned from the wireless room.
"Richards," he said, "can I rely upon you to see that Mr. Cranston does not overdo himself? Has he been using much mental effort — particularly in reference to the wireless upstairs?"
The valet hesitated. He looked at his master.