“There you be, boys!” he said, as Joe and Blake entered. “I knew as soon as I heard the bell ring that it was long distance. I answered, and sent Harry out to call you.”
“Much obliged,” spoke Blake. “Do you know who it is?”
“Nope. It was Central talking. She said either of you two was wanted.”
Blake stepped to the instrument, and took up the receiver, which had been standing upright on the desk.
“Hello!” he called into the transmitter. Then he was silent, but, from the look of wonder and surprise that spread over his face as he listened, Joe knew that it was something important, and out of the usual.
CHAPTER II
STIRRING NEWS
Joe could hear his chum Blake murmuring such things as:
“Yes, I’m listening! Is that so? Say, that’s fierce!”
“Why, yes, I guess we can go,” spoke Blake, after a lengthy talk from the person at the other end of the wire. “Yes, Joe’s here with me,” he went on. “What! Is she lost, too?”
“Say, for cats’ sake give a fellow an idea what it’s all about; can’t you, Blake?” pleaded Joe, at his chum’s elbow.