_First Voice_. One four two nought eight six?

_Imp. Sub._ Yes, please. One four two nought eight six.

_First Voice_. Very well. Why didn't you give the number before?

_Imp. Sub._ (_angrily_). Well, I have given it now. (_He listens
intently, exclaiming now and again_, "_Are you there_?" _and then
rings_.) One four two nought eight six, please.

_First Voice_ (_after a pause_). What!

_Imp. Sub._ One four two nought eight six, please.

[Illustration]

_First Voice_ (_as if the number is now heard for the first time_).
One four two nought eight six?

_Imp. Sub._ Yes, please. And look sharp!

_First Voice_. What?

_Imp. Sub._ One four two nought eight six.

_First Voice_. I hear. One four two nought eight six. [_The
communication is cut off for a couple of minutes._

_Imp. Sub._ (_for the sixth time_). Are you there?