Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
narrative advances.
Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
addressed the young adventurer with the words:
"Hello!"
There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
"Do you take me for a telephone?"
The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
"A telephone?"
"Yes."
"What makes you ask that question?"
"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one.
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