ors, tuners, insulators, amplifiers, and all the hundred and one
parts necessary for a perfectly equipped radio station. Mr.
Crowninshield had indulged in no cheap outfit. On the contrary he had
purchased the best there was to be had and as the coils of copper
wire, glistening wire rope, and spotless porcelain insulators were
unpacked Bob's eyes sparkled with anticipation. With the touch of a
connoisseur he handled the materials, examining the quality of each.
What was Greek to the others was familiar ground to him.

A low building adjoining the boathouse had been hurriedly constructed
and it was here, where the new station was to be situated, that an
interested audience congregated daily. Perched on an overturned
packing case Mr. Crowninshield surveyed the installment of the novel
toy which was not only to gratify Dick's birthday longings but also,
he hoped, bring to him the information he coveted concerning Lola.

Much as he knew about stocks and bonds he was as much of a novice in
the presence of things electrical as were either his son or Walter
King, and therefore to their avalanche of questions he added still
others, gratefully accepting the information Bob offered with the
eagerness of one who is not too superior to learn.

"What is that thing they are putting in place now?" inquired he. "And
what is it for?"

"Oh, even I can answer that, Dad!" cried the delighted Dick. "That is
the aerial or antenna and it catches the wireless waves as they travel
through the air. The higher and longer it is the better, so far as
messages are concerned--that is, within certain limits."

His father's eyes twinkled.

"Where did you pick up so much knowledge?" chuckled he.

"Bob told me."

"I'll be bound he did," sniffed the man. "I wasn't asking about the
antenna, though. Green as I am I recognized that. It was that other
wire that interested me."

"The lead in?" asked Bob quickly.

"I guess so, although I never was introduced to it by name before."

Everybody laughed at the naive reply.

"The lead in, sir, is the conductor that carries the wireless waves
from the aerial into the house. The idea is not to have it too long.
It must run as directly as possible and be very carefully insulated
from any buildings, trees, or masts because of the current."

"I see. And that other thing?"

"That is the lightning arrester. It can be fastened inside or outside
the station, as is most convenient; but it is compulsory to have