phic operator probably. Let me play you a hundred up at
billiards.'

The doctor liked nothing better; soon the balls were rattling, while the
millionaire was closeted alone with Donald Macdonald and the wireless
thing.

After one game, of which he was the winner, the doctor, with much
delicacy, asked leave to go to bed. Merton conducted him to his room,
and, returning, was hailed by Mr. Macrae.

'Here is the pleasant result of our communications,' he said, reading
aloud the message which he had first received.

'The Seven Hunters. August 9, 7.47 p.m.

'Do not be anxious about Miss Macrae. She is in perfect health, and
accompanied by three chaperons accustomed to move in the first
circles. The one question is How Much? Sorry to be abrupt, but the
sooner the affair is satisfactorily concluded the better. A reply
through your Gianesi machine will reach us, and will meet with prompt
attention.'

'A practical joke,' said Merton. 'The melancholy news has reached town
through Bude's telegrams, and somebody at the depot is playing tricks
with the instrument.'

'I have used the instrument to communicate that opinion to the
manufacturers,' said Mr. Macrae, 'but I have had no reply.'

'What does the jester mean by heading his communication "The Seven
Hunters"?' asked Merton.

'The name of a real or imaginary public-house, I suppose,' said Mr.
Macrae.

At this moment the electric bell gave its signal, and the tape began to
exude. Mr. Macrae read the message aloud; it ran thus:

'No good wiring to Gianesi and Giambresi at headquarters. You are
hitched on to us, and to nobody else. Better climb down. What are your
terms?'

'This is infuriating,' said Mr. Macrae. 'It _must_ be a practical joke,
but how to reach the operators?'

'Let me wire to-morrow by the old-fashioned way,' said Merton; 'I hear
that one need not go to Lairg to wire. One can do that from Inchnadampf,
much nearer. That is quicker than steaming to Loch Inver.'

'Thank you very much, Mr. Merton; I must be here myself. You had better
take the motor--trouble dazes a man--I forgot the motor when I ordered
the tandem this morning.'

'Very good,' said Merton. 'At what hour shall I start?'

'We all need rest; let us say at ten o'clock.'

'All right,' replied Merton. 'Now do, pray, try to get a good night of
sleep.'

Mr. Macrae smiled wanly: 'I mean to force myself to read _Emma_, by Miss
Austen, till the desired