The calm of exhaustion prevailed, when there came a defiant knock upon the front door, and the bell rang like a fire alarm.
"It must be a telegram," said George gravely.
"I hope nothing has happened to Mr. and Mrs. Taverner," said Nellie.
"Why shouldn't something happen to them?" George muttered.
"What do they say? Is there any hope?" cried Miss Yard.
"We don't know anything yet," replied Nellie.
"The railway has gone wrong. I was afraid it would—they were so venturesome. You were reading about letters coming without wires."
"Telegrams," corrected Nellie, listening to the voices outside.
"Yes, the postmen are very wonderful. You said they were using the stuff we eat in puddings, tapioca—or was it macaroni?"
"You mean Marconi wireless messages, Aunt," said George.