"
It was Dave Morningstar who answered, the other ex-cowboy employed as
mechanic and guard at Mr. Hampton's radio plant in New Mexico. And
when he had tuned to the proper pitch to hear distinctly and Bob's
voice greeted him he was so surprised he stuttered and was incapable
for a moment of coherent speech. Then he began to pour a flood of
questions at Bob, wanting to know where he was, how he happened to be
able to radio, what had happened to the boys, why Tom Bodine, his
partner, had failed to return, and so on. But Bob cut him short.
"Stop it, Dave," he said. "We may be overheard. Call father to the
telephone, so I can speak in code. Then I'll explain."
Fortunately, although it was past noon, Mr. Temple was at hand. So
anxious was he about the boys that he had been unable to sleep during
the night. All morning, despite the belief that it was folly to expect
to hear from the lads so early, he had stayed at the radio plant. Now,
when he heard his son's voice, there was heartfelt thanksgiving in his
reply.
"Is it really you, Bob?" he asked, speaking in code. "I must have
been insane to let you three lads go off on such a foolish venture. I
have been tortured with anxiety every minute since you left.
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