Part 31 (1/2)
”Even so,” drawled the man; ”but you didn't give me no time at all. I don't mind a fair handicap; but I ain't no jay.”
”Will you give me a blank?”
”Oh, now you're talking U. S. all right. I savvy that.” Without rising, he pushed a packet of blanks toward the window with his foot.
Hartwell wrote hurriedly for a moment, and shoved the message toward the operator. Taking his feet from the desk, he leaned slowly forward, picked up a pencil and began checking off the words.
John Haskins, Leadville, Colorado.
Do not send the men I asked for. Will explain by letter.
Arthur Hartwell.
”Things quieting down at the mine?” The operator paused, looking up at Hartwell.
Hartwell could not restrain his impatience.
”I'm Mr. Hartwell, general manager of the Rainbow Company. Will you attend to your business and leave my affairs alone?”
”Pleased to meet you, Mr. Hartwell. My name is Jake Studley, agent for R. G. S. I get fifty dollars a month, and don't give a d.a.m.n for no one.”
He began clearing the papers from before his instrument and drumming out his call.
The call was answered and the message sent. The operator picked up the paper and thrust it on a file.
Hartwell's face showed conflicting emotions. He wanted to force the exasperating man to action; but his own case was urgent. He drew from his pocket a roll of bills. Selecting a ten-dollar note, he pushed it toward the operator, who was refilling his pipe.
”I want that message to get to Haskins immediately, and I want an answer.”
The operator shoved the bill into his pocket with one hand, with the other he began another call. There was a pause, then a series of clicks which were cut off and another message sent. The man closed his instrument and winked knowingly at Hartwell.
”I squirted a little electricity down the line on my own account. Told them the G. M. was in and ordered that message humped. 'Tain't up to me to explain what G. M. is here.”
Hartwell went out on the platform and paced restlessly up and down. In about an hour he again approached the window.
”How long before I can expect an answer?”
”I can't tell. It depends on their finding your man. They'll get a wiggle on 'em, all right. I'll stir them up again before long.
Jehosaphat! There's my call now!” He hurriedly answered, then read, word by word, the message as it was clicked off.
Arthur Hartwell, Rainbow, Colorado.
Message received. Too late. Men left on special last night.
John Haskins.
Hartwell caught up another blank.
John Haskins, Leadville, Colorado.