Page:Vance--The rass bowl.djvu/328

 "No, no, Central. Nine-o-eight-nine Madison, please, and hurryhurry!"

"Ah, I'm ringin' 'em. They ain't answered yet. Gimme time. … There they are. Go ahead."

"Hello, hello!"

"Pwhat is ut?"

Her heart sank: O'Hagan's voice meant that Maitland was out.

"O'Hagan—is that you? … Tell Mr. Maitland"

"He's gawn out for the noight an'"

"Tell him, please"

"But he's out. Ring up in the marnin'."

"But can't you take this message for him? Please. …"

The door was suddenly jerked open and Anisty leaped into the room, face white with passion. Terrified, the girl sprang from the desk, carrying the instrument with her, placing the revolving chair between her and her enemy.

"The brass bowl, please,—tell him that," she cried clearly into the receiver.