Flash felt worn out from the night’s work. However, before starting home, he printed up the one good Tower picture and dropped it on the editor’s desk, without caring whether or not it ever was used. As he picked up his hat to leave the office, Orris asked in surprise:
“Aren’t you waiting for the paper to come out? It shouldn’t be more than a minute or two now.”
“No, I’m too tired,” Flash yawned. “I’m going home and hit the hay.”
“You might get a by-line,” Orris hinted. “And you know what that means around here?”
“No, what?”
“Usually a raise.”
“I could do with one,” grinned Flash. “Well, I think I’ll bear the suspense until morning.”
“I’m sticking around for a few minutes longer,” Orris replied. “See you tomorrow.”
Flash left the building and, after a wait of ten minutes at the corner, caught his bus home. Wearily he sagged into the first empty seat. It had been a big night, but a satisfying one. Due to his work and the recovery of the warehouse picture, the arson ring would be entirely cleaned up. He might be called to testify against McCormand, but the man’s conviction was practically assured.
“And the darkroom mystery is solved, too,” he chuckled. “From now on I’ll have clear sailing.”