NEVILLE’S MIND WORKED instantly. He did not want to express interest in Mr. Carstairs, nor did he care to reveal to the showman his acquaintance with the colonel. So he said quickly:
“The curtain ... I was curious as to how it worked ... you see, once I....”
“Joe,” called the man, wheeling, “explain the curtain to the gentleman.”
Joe came. He led the way to the switchboard and began a spiel about its intricacies. Neville looked on, understanding it only in the high spots, for the board was a jumble of gadgets and doodads, and it was not long before he began to suspect that the long-winded explanation was a unique variety of double-talk.
“See?” finished the man, “it’s as simple as that. Clever, eh?”
“Yes, indeed. Thanks.”
Neville started back to the stage, but the announcer barred his
