"
XIX
BY WIRELESS
They paused in the office, the three of them, and while Miss Thorne was
giving some instructions as to her baggage the prince went over to the
telegraph booth and began to write a message on a blank. Mr. Grimm
appeared at his elbow.
"No," he said.
"Can't I send a telegram if I like?" demanded the prince sharply.
"No, nor a note, nor a letter, nor may you speak to any one," Mr. Grimm
informed him quietly.
"Why, it's an outrage!" flamed the prince.
"It depends altogether on the view-point, your Highness," said Mr. Grimm
courteously. "If you will pardon me I might suggest that it is needless
to attract attention by your present attitude. You may--I say you
_may_--compel me to humiliate you." The prince glared at him angrily. "I
mean handcuff you," Mr. Grimm added gratuitously.
"Handcuff _me_?"
"I shouldn't hesitate, your Highness, if it was necessary."
After a moment Miss Thorne signified her readiness, and they started
out. At the door Mr. Grimm stopped and turned back to the desk, as if
struck by some sudden thought, leaving them together.
"Oh, Miss Thorne left a message for some one," Mr.
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