I no longer resembled my former self. Then I struck out for that wire, found it and followed it to its den. It was a little room over a butcher’s shop — which meant that business wasn’t very brisk in the telegraphic line. The young chap in charge was drowsing at his table.

I locked the door and put the vast key in my bosom. This alarmed the young fellow, and he was going to make a noise; but I said:

“Save your wind; if you open your mouth you are dead, sure. Tackle your instrument. Lively, now! Call Camelot.”

“This doth amaze me! How should such as you know aught of such matters as — ”

“Call Camelot! I am a desperate man. Call Camelot, or get away from the instrument and I will do it myself.”