"We cut the wire just below here.
We've got a box relay on the wire going both ways.

Your operators can't use the wire much tonight.

Your company can't use it from Lineville at all." Tom's face showed his dismay.

'Gene Black laughed in intense enjoyment.
"So you cut the wire, oh, and attached box relays ?" "Surely," Black nodded.
"I'm glad you confess it," replied Tom slowly.

"Cutting telegraph wires, or attaching box relays without proper authority is a felony.
The punishment is a term in state's prison." "Bosh!" sneered Black.