Page:The Catalpa Expedition (1897).djvu/158

130 Still misfortune crowded in upon the conspirators. A heavy storm came on, extra anchors were necessary; but with the whole length of chain out the Catalpa dragged, and destruction on the bar was threatened.

It was impossible to sail, and Captain Anthony knew that Breslin's plans must be upset once more. He went to the telegraph office to send a message, and found it closed on account of the holiday. He hunted up the operator, a woman. She declined to go to the office, saying it would be useless, since the Freemantle office was closed. The captain pleaded, for he knew that everything depended upon it. At length the woman opened the office and sat down to the instrument.

She called for several minutes. There was no reply.

"I told you it would be of no use," she replied. Just then came an answering click. The operator sat down at the instrument once more. After a moment, she said:—

"They are taking the message. An operator happened in."

Captain Anthony nearly shouted with joy. This is the message which he sent:—



It has blown heavy. Ship dragged both anchors. Can you advance money, if needed? Will telegraph again in the morning.