this afternoon. I introduced repeating-coils into the circuits at
both ends. Technically, the third circuit is then taken off from
the mid-points of the secondaries or line windings of these
repeating coils.

"The current on a long-distance line is alternating in character,
and it passes readily through a repeating-coil. The only effect it
has on the transmission is slightly reducing the volume. The
current passes into the repeating-coil, then divides and passes
through the two line wires. At the other end the halves balance,
so to speak. Thus, currents passing over a phantom circuit don't
set up currents in the terminal apparatus of the side circuits.
Consequently, a conversation carried on over the phantom circuit
will not be heard in either side circuit, nor does a conversation
on one side circuit affect the phantom. We could all talk at once
without interfering with each other."

"At any other time I should be more than interested," remarked
Brixton grimly, curbing his impatience to be doing something.

"I appreciate that, sir," rejoined Kennedy. "Ah, here it is. I
have the central down in the village. Yes? They will hold the boat
for us? Good. Thank you. The nine-o'clock train is five minutes
late? Yes--what? Count Wachtmann's car is there? Oh, yes, the
train is just pulling in. I see. Miss Brixton has entered his car
alone. What's that? His chauffeur has started the car without
waiting for the Count, who is coming down the platform?"

Instantly Kennedy was on his feet. He was dashing up the corridor
and the stairs from the den and down into the basement to the