ration]

_First Voice_ (_as if the number is now heard for the first time_).
One four two nought eight six?

_Imp. Sub._ Yes, please. And look sharp!

_First Voice_. What?

_Imp. Sub._ One four two nought eight six.

_First Voice_. I hear. One four two nought eight six. [_The
communication is cut off for a couple of minutes._

_Imp. Sub._ (_for the sixth time_). Are you there?

_Second Voice_. Yes. Who is it?

_Imp. Sub._ I am BOSH, BOODLE & CO.

_Second Voice_. RUSH, RUDDLE & CO.?

_Imp. Sub._ No. BOSH, BOODLE & CO.

_First Voice_. Have you finished?

_Imp. Sub._ No, no--we are still speaking. I want to know if you have
sent that case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

_Second Voice_. What? I can't hear you.

_Imp. Sub._ (_speaking very slowly, as if dictating to imperfectly
educated infants_). Have--you--sent--that--case--of--cham--pagne--to
BUM--BLE--TON?

_Second Voice_ (_puzzled_). Sent a case of champagne?

_First Voice_ (_interposing_.) Have you finished?

_Imp. Sub._ No, we are still speaking. Yes--have you sent a case of
champagne to BUMBLETON?

_Second Voice_. Sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON? No; why should
we?

_Imp. Sub._ Because you promised TICKLEBY you would.

_Second Voice_ (_evidently perplexed_). Promised TICKLEBY?

_Imp. Sub._ (_in a tone of reproach_). Yes, promised TICKLEBY.

_First Voice_ (_interposing_.) Have you finished?

_Imp. Sub._ No, we are still speaking; please don't cut us off.
(_Returning to the champagne subject_). Yes, you promised TICKLEBY you
would send the case of champagne to BUMBLETON. (_With inspiration._)
You are the Arctic Wine Company, aren't you?

_Second Voice_. No. I am Secretary of the Curate's Papier Mache Church
Company.

_Imp. Sub._ (_in a tone of sorrow_). Aren't you one four two nought
eight six?

_Third Voice_ (_coming from somewhere_). Mind and bring a gun with
you, and--.

_Second Voice_. No. We are two four eight nought six seven. Good
morning!

_First Voice_. Have you finished?

_Imp. Sub._ (_angrily_). I have not begun! You have put me on the
wrong number!

_First Voice_ (_calmly_). What number do you want?

_Imp. Sub._ (_angrily_). One four two nought eight six.

_First Voice_. Two four two nought eight six?

_Imp. Sub._ (_with suppressed rage_). No, _one_ four two nought eight
six.

_First Voice_. Very well. One four two nought eight six.

_Imp. Sub._ Yes, and don't make a mistake.

[_Long pause, during whi