"You have the wrong number!" said Merriam and hung up.
But before he had had time to explain to the others or even to wonder whether he had done wisely, the bell jangled again. He turned back to the instrument. Rockwell came quickly to his side, and Merriam, taking down the receiver, held it so that his "manager" too should be able to hear what came over the wire.
"Hello!"
"Ah! Senator Norman, by your voice," said Crockett in tones of elaborate irony. "I wish to congratulate you, Senator, on your speech this noon. It was a magnificent effort. So full of progressive ideas and youthful virility!"
"Thank you," said Merriam.
"And, Senator, I really must see you right away. I am calling from the lobby. I will come up to your rooms at once, if I may. Or meet you anywhere else you say. It is of the utmost importance to you, Mr. Mer----" (he pretended to correct himself) "to you, Senator, as well as to me."
"Wait a minute," said Merriam. He put his hand over the mouthpiece and looked at Rockwell.
"Tell him you will see him at eight o'clock this evening, here."
Merriam repeated this message.
"At eight?" said Crockett, with significant emphasis on the hour. "Very good, Senator. Thank you." He hung up.