[ WP ] Alexander Graham Bell makes the first phone call . The voice on the other line says `` You have the wrong number , but I 'm glad you called . There has been a problem . ''

`` Thomas? Is this some kind of joke?'' 
 
 His assistant called out from the other room. `` What's that, Alex? I do n't think it's working. I ca n't hear anything...'' 
 
 Meanwhile, the voice in his ear spoke again, `` I assure you, Mr. Bell, this is no joke. Please, listen to --'' Alexander slammed the receiver onto the device. He turned and saw Thomas giving him a worried look through the doorway. 
 
 `` What's wrong? You look as pale as the dead. Is the machine broken? Perhaps we should try again?'' 
 
 `` No,'' he stammered, `` no. Perhaps tomorrow.'' His hands were shaking now. He shook his head. It was obviously a joke. Thomas was having a bit of fun at his expense. 
 
 Suddenly, a ringing sound came from the machine. Both men looked at it in concern. *Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing. * Alexander was quite certain that there was no such bell in the device, just as he was certain there was no way anyone could have tapped into the line, even if they somehow had got their hands on another machine. 
 
 He slowly walked to the other room. No one was there. Suddenly, the device in this room began to ring as well. With a shaking hand, Alexander lifted the receiver from the box and placed it to his ear. As he did so, the ringing stopped. 
 
 He spoke carefully into the machine. ``... hello?'' 
 
 Thomas gave him a confused looked and began to say something, but Alexander held up his hand. 
 
 The mysterious voice again spoke through the machine. `` Alexander, do not hang up on me again. This is very important. There is another who attempts to create a device for sound transmission. Perhaps you have heard of him -- Elisha Gray.'' At the sound of the name, Alexander grew cold. 
 
 `` Elisha is not who you think he is. In fact, he is not even human. You *must not* let him patent the liquid transmitter. We have already taken the liberty of contacting your lawyers, and they have already added seven sentences to your patent application. They are as follows...'' The voice calmly dictated the lines to him. `` You must ensure these lines are present in your previous draft, so that you may claim proper ownership. I can not stress this enough. Go, now.'' 
 
 There was a click, and then silence. Alexander just stood there with the receiver to his ear, while his assistant looked at him. ``... sir? Are you all right?'' 
 
 Alexander took one last look at the receiver in his hand before dropping it. `` Where is the draft of my patent application?''
