Dan paused for a moment, then he continued, “But look at the office today. A dozen reporters, an editor to handle every department, half a dozen telegraph wires that bring the news from every corner of the world and even an airplane to ferret out the stories in the clouds.”
Tim smiled at the last phrase.
“The aviation game is like a newspaper,” went on the copyreader. “The newspaper went through its baby days and has emerged into one of the greatest institutions of our modern times. So it will be with aviation. I scoffed at the first strides of modern journalism, and look where I am.” There was no note of self-pity in the words, simply a plain statement of fact, and Dan hurried on before Tim could speak.
“I’m only a copyreader while if I had been alert to realize the possibilities way back in the nineties, I might have been the head of this paper or some other like it. I don’t want you to miss your chance Tim. You’re alert and eager now; keep on that way and I’ll help you all I can.”
When Tim left the office that afternoon the rain was still falling steadily but he did not feel depressed. He was fired with new enthusiasm and determination. Far into the night he mulled over Dan Watkins’ words and he knew that the older man’s advice was sound and true. It was a goal Tim had hardly dared dream to attain and one that at times had made his heart ache at the futility of his dreams. But the kindly counsel of the older man had set his mind into new channels of thought and given him the impetus he needed. It was a long, hard road to follow but before he went to sleep, Tim had determined to throw his every energy toward attainment of his goal.
When Tim reached the office the next morning he found Ralph Parsons waiting for him, a camera on his desk.
“Hurry up, Tim,” called his chum. “Carson just phoned down and ordered us out on an assignment. They say that the Cedar River is flooding the entire country over east. Worst high water in twenty-five years, and he wants some good pictures for this afternoon’s editions. We’ll have to hustle.”
While Ralph was talking, Tim telephoned to the airport and ordered the Lark serviced and put on the line ready to go. It was raining hard but the weather bulletin indicated clearing weather by mid-forenoon so they would have a chance to get some good pictures when they reached the valley.
Tim and Ralph skidded through the city in one of the News’ cars and when they reached the airport found the Lark ready for them, its motor turning over slowly.
Hunter came out of his office.