'
They walked together to the telegraph-office. The boy was still searching
for Kenyon with the original despatch, but the operator turned up the
file and read the copy to him.
'You see, it wants an answer,' he said; 'that's why I thought it was
important to get you. You will have plenty of time for an answer
to-night.'
John took a lead pencil and wrote the cable despatch which Wentworth
received. He paid his money, and said:
'I will go to my hotel; it is the ---- House. I will wait there, and if
anything comes for me, send it over as soon as possible.'
'All right,' said the operator, 'that is the best plan; then we will
know exactly where to find you. Of course, there is no use in your
waiting here, because we can get you in five minutes. Perhaps I had
better telephone to the hotel for you if anything comes.'
'Very well,' said Kenyon; 'I will leave it all in your hands.'
Whether it was the effect of having been in the country or not, John
felt that the cablegram he had received was a good omen. He meditated
over the tremendous ill-fortune he had suffered in the whole business
from beginning to end, and thought of old Mr. Longworth's favourite
phrase, 'There's no such thing as luck.'
Then came a rap at his door, and the bell-boy said:
'There is a gentleman here wishes to speak to you.'
'Ask him to come up,' was the answer; and two minutes later Von Brent
entered.
'Any news?' he asked.
John, who was in a state of mind which made him suspicious of everything
and everybody, answered:
'No, nothing new.
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