The Telegraph Operator's primary photo
  • The Telegraph Operator (1913)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Telegraph Operator
The Telegraph Operator (1913)
Short | Short, Drama
"Well, Bess, one thing's sure, we'll never get ahead this way. This operating is dull enough any time, but when working in a one-horse town like this, it's awful, that's the word. Now, what's the answer?" "That's funny, Jim. I've been ...See more"Well, Bess, one thing's sure, we'll never get ahead this way. This operating is dull enough any time, but when working in a one-horse town like this, it's awful, that's the word. Now, what's the answer?" "That's funny, Jim. I've been thinking about that all day. Lately, somehow, I've been hearing the call that has lured so many thousands up to the Yukon. Seems as though we have just as much chance as the others who have struck luck, if we try. Was reading just this morning about a young couple from this same state who have found a great claim. What do you think?" "Say, girlie, that's just what's been in my mind. Funny, isn't it? Let's really figure a little on that." There they were, sitting in the little bare operator's office up in Vermont, discussing this all-important subject, the future. They were ambitious and not in any way satisfied with the kind of an eventless life they were living. The fever grew and soon they took the trail. As it was half a love pilgrimage, the days sped happily. After long struggles they arrived at the gold fields. Here they came across an odd looking old cabin, which looked as if it had been deserted for many years. Upon the front of the cabin in rough lettering was a sign: "To whosoever enters: Make this your home. I am leaving for a better land. May happiness ever dwell within these walls. Little Tom, Sergeant, R.M.P." They broke in the door and upon making a light, they noticed a Royal Trooper's uniform on a chair by the fireplace. Evidently the former tenant had been a member of the mounted police. Here was the hand of providence, and if confirmation of the fact was needed, it came the following day, when lucky Jim found the shining specks of pay dirt in his pan of stones. In his haste to tell the joyful tidings to Bess, he did not notice one of the daughters of a pair of claim jumping rascals, who were operating in the neighborhood, who caught a glimpse of the gold as she passed him. When these men heard this, they lost no time in descending upon Jim Sheldon, who was alone in the cabin at the time. A few minutes later Bess returned, and upon looking through a window, saw Jim bound and at the mercy of the two claim jumpers. Mindful of the days of the telegraph key, she tapped a message to him on the window pane. Jim's practiced ear caught and interpreted the sound. Backing up to the window, under the very eyes of his unsuspecting captors, he conveyed directions to his wife by the same means. His scheme was for her to climb up on the roof, crawl down the chimney, take the uniform of the dead trooper, who had bequeathed them their cabin, from the chair by the fireplace, put the uniform on and go to the neighboring post of the mounted police. Bess hurriedly donned the uniform and went to the highway, where she demanded a horse from a passing traveler, "in the Queen's Name." Then she galloped away to the army post. The police returned with her after an exciting ride, and they reached the cabin just in time to save Jim from violence. The two claim jumpers were placed under arrest and all was happiness in the cabin. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Director
O.A.C. Lund
Writer
O.A.C. Lund (story)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Feb 18, 1913
Release date
Feb 18, 1913 (United States)

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3 cast members
Name Known for
Barbara Tennant's primary photo
Barbara Tennant
Bess Bess   See fewer
The Infidel (1922)
Alec B. Francis's primary photo
Alec B. Francis
Jim Sheldon Jim Sheldon   See fewer
Oliver Twist (1933)
Frederick Truesdell's primary photo
Frederick Truesdell
Bess's Husband (as Fred C. Truesdell) Bess's Husband (as Fred C. Truesdell)   See fewer
Alias Jimmy Valentine (1915)
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