“No, sir. I don’t remember ever having fainted away before.”
“You may have heard something that alarmed you, or——”
“No, no, sir; nothing of the kind,” interrupted the girl. “I cannot account for it.”
“Do you remember what number had been called, what connection you had made?”
“No, sir.”
“Or what was being said?”
“I do not,” the girl insisted. “I remember nothing about it. I know only that I was not feeling well this morning. I awoke with a racking headache. I suddenly felt dizzy and then I fainted. That is all I know about it. Please don’t question me further. I’m able, now, to return to my work. Thank you again, sir.”
Nick knew that the girl was lying, but he alone had observed her agitation for several moments before she fainted. She still was pale and nervous, trembling visibly while she replied to his questions, but it was obvious that she was determined to admit nothing in regard to what she evidently had heard at the switchboard.
Nick decided not to press her further, therefore, and he bowed indifferently and returned to the business office.
Manager Lawton, for whom he had been waiting, came in a few moments later and Nick transacted the business[{5}] for which he had called. He then quietly told him of the incident and pointed out the girl who had fainted.