When we reached the spot and unearthed the little box the instrumentwas quiet, nor did repeated attempts upon the part of our telegraphersucceed in winning a response from the other end of the line.After several days of futile endeavor to raise Pellucidar, we hadbe-gun to despair. I was as positive that the other end of thatlittle cable protruded through the surface of the inner world asI am that I sit here today in my study--when about midnight of thefourth day I was awakened by the sound of the instrument.

Leaping to my feet I grasped Downes roughly by the neck and draggedhim out of his blankets. He didn't need to be told what causedmy excitement, for the instant he was awake he, too, heard thelong-hoped for click, and with a whomop of delight pounced upon theinstrument.

Nestor was on his feet almost as soon as I. The three of us huddledabout that little box as if our lives depended upon the message ithad for us.

Downes interrupted the clicking with his sending-key. The noiseof the receiver stopped instantly.

"Ask who it is, Downes," I directed.

He did so, and while we awaited the Englishman's translation ofthe reply, I doubt if either Nestor or I breathed.