“Wait,” cried the chief, sharply. “Quick—say this: ‘Has supply train passed west to-day?’”
“‘Has—supply—train—’” the operator repeated after a moment—“‘passed—west-to-day?’”
“Now what does he answer?”
“Just a moment—Here he is!—‘Not—not—’ Hold on there, what’s the matter?”
“Has he stopped?”
“Stopped short. That’s queer.”
“Do you think so?” said Carhart, looking down into the white face of the operator. The effect of the young man’s excitement was hardly lessened by the shock of rumpled hair about his forehead and by the white collar of a nightgown which appeared above his hastily buttoned coat.
“You mean—?”
“Wait a little longer.” For several minutes they were silent, the operator leaning his elbows on the table, Carhart bending over him. Then, “Try him again,” said Carhart.