This boy had manifested a deep interest in wireless telegraphy as soon as he saw the apparatus of the Burton boys in operation. He learned the Morse alphabet and practiced on the instruments of his friends at their invitation. Up to the time when Guy left for Europe, however, he had not acquired much skill and was therefore unable to fill, in this respect, the vacancy left by the absent brother. But one day Walter said to his friend:
“Tony, do you want to learn wireless so well that no operator can dot-and-dash away from you?”
“You bet I do,” was the other’s reply. “I often thought I would, but I couldn’t afford to buy an outfit like yours.”
“Then come over and live with me while Guy’s gone. I’m awful lonesome.”
“I’ll see what ma says,” answered Tony.
The result was as Walter suggested. Tony had a few chores to do home every evening, for his father owned several acres and kept a cow, pigs, and chickens. After this work was done, he was permitted to “go over to Walter’s” and remain there until morning, when he must return and do chores again. Meanwhile he devoted all his spare moments to wireless practice, even when Walter was not at liberty to “talk” with him.
One afternoon as the boys were returning home from school discussing some newly-developed feature of interest in their hobby, the subject was suddenly changed by the appearance before them of one who has figured earlier in this narrative. He was the man with the tall derby hat and the trowel-shaped patent leathers.
“Did you notice that fellow?” Walter asked in a low tone as they passed the man of conspicuous foot and headgear.
“I saw him, but didn’t have much to say to ’im,” replied Tony, smiling at his friend’s startled manner. “Who is he—a detective lookin’ for violators of the amateur wavelength law?”
“You’re makin’ fun o’ me. But you won’t be so gay when I tell you all about him.”