Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/192

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WAYLAID BY WIRELESS

which we are all accustomed," the Englishman continued patiently, "is that the operator upon the wire can call only the stations upon the same wire, whereas the 'wireless' operator, using the atmosphere as his signalling medium, can call and receive an answer from every station anywhere within his signalling distance. But as the call which the police will make in a few moments will be for the Bahia, the operator aboard her will at once recognize it, take down the police inquiry, and, pressing his own key, send his answer and—give us Mr. Manling!"

"Thank you. I see," the girl acknowledged, though it was evident she could not comprehend clearly. She turned to the window on her left. The flying train began to leave the inland fields which it had chosen, after crossing the Tamar, and started pressing again toward the sea-shore.

"Oh, there!" she cried, after all had waited a few moments in silent suspense. "There is the mast on that little hill by the town! Is not that it, Mr. Dunneston?"

"No," the Englishman decided, after gazing

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