He waited but there was no response from Mr. Fernald.
"Ted might be sick, too; or have an accident and wish to get help and——"
At last the speaker was rewarded by having the elder man turn quickly upon him.
"In other words, you young scoundrel, you want me to install a telephone in this shack for the joy and delight of you two electricians who can't seem to do it for yourselves," said Mr. Fernald gruffly.
"Now however do you suppose he guessed it?" exclaimed Laurie delightedly, as he turned with mock gravity to Ted. "Isn't he the mind reader?"
It was evident that Laurie Fernald thoroughly understood his father and that the two were on terms of the greatest affection.
"Did I say I wanted a telephone?" he went on meekly.
"You said everything else," was the grim retort.
"Did I? Well, well!" commented the boy mischievously. "I needn't have taken so much trouble after all, need I? But every one isn't such a Sherlock Holmes as you are, Dad."
Mr. Fernald's scowl vanished and he laughed.