"I want 5921 B City, please."
Again there was no answer. This was Wilmer's office. Wilmer, who was
standing behind me, made them ring it up twice again to make sure. Then
I went on to the other eight impossible numbers we had fixed on. They
were unresponsive to a man.
Ten rings, and not a single answer!
Then we crossed to Wilmer's house.
Wilmer rang up the exchange. Bitter experience has assured us that we
share the same operator.
"I want 4792 Marble Arch," he began.
4792 was still mute. So was 5921 B City. So were no fewer than all the
eight further numbers prearranged.
Then I went back again and rang up 4792. This precipitated the crisis.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but I'm nearly sure I can't get them. Would you let me
have a list of the numbers you want, and I'll get them when I can."
"The number I _really_ want," I said, "is Mr. Wilmer's, 729 Lane, but
I've given up trying to get _that_."
I was through to Wilmer like lightning; and a little later he rang me up
by the same strategy.
Nowadays, if Wilmer or I have any trouble in getting one another, we
have only to whisper 4792 Marble Arch, and we're through before we've
thought of what to say.
* * * * *