"I'll do that, sir, and welcome, the very moment the office opens its doors in the morning." "How soon do you think it will reach my sister?" "Well, to be sure, I expect in about half an hour or an hour at the most. I often think I'd like to see them messages a-tumbling along the wires. Do you believe as they go by the wires sir?" "Oh, I suppose so; I don't bother my head about it. Now, then, Jim, hand us a form and we'll fill it in. What do you think we had best say, Pat?" "Make it strong," said Pat. "Yes, I know that." Laurie stood biting the end of his pencil and considering the blank form which Jimmy had provided him with. "We must make it powerful strong," he said after a pause. "If dad hears this, we two are about done, Pat. He's the easiest old boy in the world, but when once he takes the bit between his teeth he is just like Slieve Loon, our new mare. But I must not keep you up Jim; you are wanting to get back to your bed." "It don't matter, sir; don't you hurry yourself. I told the wife it was two of the young gentlemen from Castle Malone, and she said I wasn't to mind how much time I spent with you; it was only proper respect to the family." "All right Jim. Now, then, Pat, what shall I say?" "Hurry up," said Pat; "if you're not sleepy I am, and the whole house will be locked up if we are not quick." "I cracked a pane of glass in our window on purpose this morning," said Laurie. "I thought it might turn out convenient." Pat laughed. Laurie, his face flushed, bent over the telegraph form. After a time, during which beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead, the following message was transcribed: "Miss Kitty Malone, care of Mrs. Denvers, Franklin Avenue, Middleton, London, S.E.--Wake up, old girleen; hurry with the tin.--Laurie." "That's the time of day," he said. "You read it, Jim. Can you make out the address plain?" "Yes, to be sure," answered Jim. "Very well, sir; this shall go. I am sorry you're in trouble, sir; but I know the squire sends a lot of money to Miss Kitty, for he is always coming here for postal orders." "Oh, I am safe to have it," said Laurie. "Well, good-night Jim, and long life to you." The boys left the office and retraced their steps across the mountain. They had gone about halfway home when they were interrupted by a curious sort of sound, something between a croon and a chant. It came nearer and nearer, and the next moment a grotesque figure showed clearly in the moonlight. This was no other than Paddy Wheel-about himself. He was a tall man, with a long shaggy beard, penthouse eyebrows, and eyes which were lit now with a fitful and uncertain gleam. He was dressed in rags, his hat was pushed far back on his head, his hair streamed over his shoulders. The savage and yet pathetic-looking creature stopped now before the two boys.