"I don't know yet," Theydon managed to say collectedly. "Some one from Croydon. Bend close. You'll hear."
A quiet, drawling voice reached them, the vibrating wire lending its measured accents a metallic accuracy.
"That you, Mr. Theydon?"
"Why, it's Mr. Handyside! Yes, I'm here. Where are you speaking from? Croydon?"
"That's so."
"Well, I don't understand, but I'm sure you'll pardon me. We are in a deuce of a fix at this end, so, if you'll arrange to call tomorrow—"
"You've lost Mrs. Forbes, I guess. Is that the lady's name? If it is, I've kept track of her. I—"
Theydon was so astounded that he looked at Winter in blank amazement, the pressure of his fingers on the circuit key relaxed, and the American's voice trailed abruptly away into silence. He put matters right at once and heard the continuation of a new sentence, whereupon he broke in excitedly:
"One second, Mr. Handyside. Miss Forbes is here. I must tell her your news!"
He turned to Evelyn.