“Easily.”
“Then have about three pages of copy ready in the morning.” The action was characteristic of Carson. In fact, it was characteristic of newspaper work with its quick decisions and demands that to any class of men but reporters would have been insurmountable.
To Tim the demand for a column of copy in the morning was the best news in weeks and he turned away from the managing editor after expressing his appreciation for the opportunity.
“Oh, Tim,” called Carson. “Better stop on your way down stairs and tell the engraving department to work up one and two column heads for you. Have them draw a picture of a plane and put your name under it: By Tim Murphy, the Flying Reporter of the Atkinson News.”
Getting together a column of interesting, readable material on such short notice would not be easy, especially since Tim wanted his first column to be alive with interest. After conferring with the head of the engraving department, Tim hurried out to the municipal field where he imparted his good luck into the ever-sympathetic ear of Hunter, the field manager.
“That’s fine, Tim,” congratulated Hunter. “I know you’ve wanted to write a daily column on aviation for a long time. Do you think Carson will make it a permanent feature of the paper?”
“That all depends on what kind of material I can dig up and how well I can write it. Means you fellows here at the field will have to cooperate with me.”
“You know we’ll do that Tim,” promised Hunter. “The boys all like you mighty well. The only thing is that they are a bit bashful in telling some of their own experiences. You may have to pry around a bit.”
“I expect you’re right there,” agreed Tim, “but after I get them started I’ll get plenty of material. Now I’ve got to line up a good feature to start the column off tomorrow. You know of anything unusual here at the field?”
Hunter scratched his head and looked meditatively at a cloud as if seeking inspiration.