Free The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) by Giles, Lori Othen Page A

observe how Phillips took the idea of ‘English’ being to him a foreign language, and then continued. “I also have a smattering of Greek and Danish Sir”
    “Very good, Mr. Jones. But I am a little unsure as to how you can use your inestimable vocal talents aboard the bridge of this ship?” Jerard was genuinely puzzled.
    “Well Sir the Discretion has one of these Sir,” Jones said in his soft but penetrating voice. He moved to indicate the semi organized mess of wires and valves set into the wall to the left of the desk. “This is our wireless radio Sir, it only has a range of about 2 miles at best but Mr. Starblower’s residences all have one as do a few other forward thinking individuals about the continent.”
    Jerard opened his mouth and closed it again. He had never heard of a radio, much less ever seen anything that looked like this. “Mr. Jones, I am a bit confused, you mean this is a wireless telegraph?” Jerard asked thoughtfully gazing at the faintly glowing filaments of the wireless device.
    “Well Sir, you are correct this device is also a wireless telegraph but it is a means of sending your voice as well.” Jones grinned and patted the device. Our Mr. Starblower is a great fan of new technologies and innovation, and our system is as good as any you’ll come across. I expect you’ll see and hear for yourself when we approach Beardmore & Co. near Glasgow Sir.”
    “Well then Mr. Jones I suppose I will.” Although Jerard was not convinced and it showed plainly on his face. “What other interesting things have you there Sir?”
    “We have standard pneumatic transfer tubes for written orders like most larger ocean ships Sir, but we use this the most Captain.” Mr Jones began, indicating a large wire grill and a bank of smaller switches beneath it. “This is the master station but you will see speaking grills like this in most main areas of the ship for internal communication.”
    “These are the ships speaking tubes you mean?” Jerard queried.
    “They serve that purpose yes Sir but they operate electrically.” Seeing Jerards puzzled expression Jones continued. “Perhaps a demonstration would explain it simply Sir?”
    “Carry on Mr. Jones.”
    “Easily done Captain. See this switch here? It will connect this speaking grill to the one in the galley.” Mr. Jones depressed the small switch and leaned over to speak directly into the grill. “Mr. Vinnetti to the bridge, Mr. Vinnetti to the bridge, please.” He released the switch and a moment later a tinny voice could be heard issuing out of the little grill: “Si, Mr. Jones give me a moment.”
    Jerard stepped back in amazement. “I say! That was Mr. Vinnetti!”
    Mr. Jones smiled and nodded. Sure enough, just seconds later Mr. Vinnetti’s heavy step could be heard on the metal decking.
    “What do you need Mr. Jones?” The Italian man said, huffing and puffing, as he came through the door. It was obvious he had been hurrying to get here. “Ah Captain! Are you ready to inspect the galley?”
    “Mr. Vinnetti, I am afraid we owe you an apology. Mr. Jones was demonstrating the operation of the speaking grills. I am very sorry to have interrupted your work. I do however very much look forward to visiting your galley.”
    Paulo Vinnetti shot a nasty look at Jones before bowing to the Captain. “Of course Captain I am glad to be of service to you in any way. These speaking grills, they are amazing, yes?
    “That they are Sir! Thank you for participating in our demonstration Mr. Vinnetti, I will see you later in the galley.”
    “You are welcome Captain.” Vinnetti said with an air of dignity as he turned and left the bridge.
    When the sound of the man’s footsteps began to fade Mr. Wallace piped up. “Ya know Annie, ya really should nae taunt the man s' much, he might just spit in ya food!”
    Jones straightened and glared at the Scotsman. “Don’t call me Annie! My
name
is Aneurin. And I am not taunting Mr. Vinnetti, he was the only