radiophone station on the Hampton estate. Mr. Hampton was an
enthusiast about the development of radio telephony and it was through
him the boys first had become interested in the subject. A year
earlier he had built a powerful station for the purpose of making
experiments in talking across the ocean. On that account the United
States Government had granted him a special permit to use an 1,800
metre wave length.

Before leaving for the Southwest, Jack told the boys his father
intended to build in Texas or New Mexico another radiophone station of
similar wave length. This would enable Mr. Hampton to communicate
with his New York confreres through his Long Island station. The big
thing to the boys, however, was that they would be able to talk to
each other across 2,000 miles of territory. Delays in construction in
the Southwest had occurred, however, and communication between the two
stations had not yet been established when our story opens.

As the boys re-entered the station after their inspection of the
weather, Bob threw himself sprawlingly into a deep wicker chair and,
picking up a book, began idly to turn the pages. Frank went to the
table where the control apparatus was located and put on a headpiece.
For a few moments there was silence, which Frank presently shattered
with a loud cry of: "Bob. Bob. Come here."

Bob dropped his book and, leaping to his feet, strode to his chum's
side.

"What is it?"

"Put on a headpiece, Bob," said Frank in a voice of great excitement.