His kindly, somewhat pre-occupied face was long as a fiddle.
"Good morning, Mr.Martin," said Grant.
"Good morning.

What can I do for you ?" was the stiff reply.

Grant was in no mind to be rebuffed, however.
"I must have a word with you in private," he said.
"I'm sorry--but my time is quite full." "I'm sorry, too, but the matter is urgent." The click of the sounder became less businesslike.

There was an element in the tone of each voice that drew the London telegraphist's attention.
Martin, usually the mildest-mannered man in Sussex, was obviously ill at ease.

But he simply could not hold out against Grant's compelling gaze.
"Come into the back room," he said nervously.