CHAPTER XIII

INFORMATION FROM A NEW SOURCE

During the interval when the new radio station was being put in order
and the parts of the outfit assembled Bob King and the two city
electricians toiled early and late. They scarcely stopped to eat, so
feverish was their haste. Mr. Crowninshield had let it be known that
if the wireless apparatus was in condition to send and receive
messages within a week he would add to the regular wages of the
mechanics a generous bonus and this incentive was sufficient to cause
the avaricious workmen to transgress the laws of the labor unions and
forget any fatigue they may have experienced.

As for Bob he was far too eager to get into touch with O'Connel and
the _Siren_ to covet extra pay for rushing through the installment of
the new service. A private signal had been agreed upon between him and
his former associate and also an hour set when each day the operator
aboard the yacht was to call him. O'Connel was to allow seven days for
the work at Surfside to be finished and then his messages were to
begin and both Mr. Crowninshield and his alert employee meant to be
ready for him.

Hence Bob whipped on his helpers, using every ray of daylight that
could be turned to the purpose and much of the night. Even after
everything was placed and connected up there would yet remain a great
deal of testing out and tinkering before the set would be in perfect
working condition and it was for this delay he was preparing.

Much to his surprise, however, the parts went together with
astonishingly little trouble. They had been well made and fitted
perfectly. Everything needed was at hand and in consequence there was
no sending to the city for materials and waiting until they could be
shipped. Therefore as the allotted time sped by the job that
accompanied it moved rapidly to its end.

"We are going to make it, sir," ejaculated Bob with shining eyes,
beaming enthusiastically on the master of the estate. "She will be all
set up and working by Saturday. That is the day O'Connel was to make
his first try to get into communication with us. I can hardly wait to
hear what he has to say."

"I am pretty anxious to know myself," returned the elder man. "If he
can get a message through we should then find out where the yacht is
and whether Lola is aboard her."

"I'm crazy to learn what has become of the villains who pinched the
dog," added Bob. "Do you take it they are still cruising with the
boat?"