he said; "haven't had any sleep in three weeks. Lost thirty-two pounds. If
you fellows had only got that cribbing down on time, I'd be having a
vacation--"

Another yawn interrupted him. The telegraph receiver had begun giving out
the general manager's answer.

Tell-Ledyard-we-hope-to-have-cars-in-a-few-days-

The superintendent looked at Bannon, expecting him to finish his sentence,
but he only yawned again.

obey-previous-instructions.--Do-not-give-Ledyard-cars-in-any-case-

Bannon's eyes were half closed, but the superintendent thought he was
turning a little toward the open doorway.

"Do you feel cold?" he asked. "I'll shut the door."

He rose quickly and started toward it, but Bannon was there before him. He
hesitated, his hand on the knob.

"Why don't you shut it?" snapped the superintendent.

"I think I'll--I think I'll send a telegram."

"Here's a blank, in here. Come in." But Bannon had slipped out and was
standing beside the operator's table. From the doorway the superintendent
saw him biting his pencil and frowning over a bit of paper. The general
manager's message was still coming in.