He even endeavored to force the clerk to take his dispatch
in preference to that of his rival.
"It is that gentleman's right," answered the clerk coolly,
pointing to Blount, and smiling in the most amiable manner.
And he continued faithfully to transmit to the Daily Telegraph
the well-known verses of Cowper.
Whilst he was working Blount walked to the window and, his field
glass to his eyes, watched all that was going on in the neighborhood
of Kolyvan, so as to complete his information. In a few minutes
he resumed his place at the wicket, and added to his telegram:
"Two churches are in flames. The fire appears to gain on the right.
'John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, Though wedded we have been
these twice ten tedious years, yet we no holiday have seen.'"
Alcide Jolivet would have liked to strangle the honorable correspondent
of the Daily Telegraph.
He again interrupted the clerk, who, quite unmoved, merely replied:
"It is his right, sir, it is his right--at ten copecks a word."
And he telegraphed the following news, just brought him
by Blount: "Russian fugitives are escaping from the town.
'Away went Gilpin--who but he? His fame soon spread around:
He carries weight! he rides a race! 'Tis for a thousand pound!'"
And Blount turned round with a quizzical look at his rival.
Alcide Jolivet fumed.
In the meanwhile Harry Blount had returned to the window, but this
time his attention was diverted by the interest of the scene
before him.
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