"What call was that? Where did it come from?"

After a little wait, a languid voice answered: "Brooklyn, Main
6969, Party C."

"Give me the number again--I want to speak on the wire."

After another delay, the voice replied "The line has been
discontinued."

"I just had it! What is the name of the subscriber. Hurry, this
is a matter of life and death."

"It's against the rules to give any further information. But our
record shows that the house burned down about two weeks ago. No
one else has been given the number. There's no instrument
there!"




CHAPTER II

THE FLEETING PROMPTER


Monty's puzzled smile was in no wise reciprocated by the Captain,
whose red face evidenced a growing resentment.

He began a tirade, but a wink from the club man warned him.