Tim had halfway expected to be sent to the border but to be asked to get into the interior of the strife-torn country was another thing. But his answer was quick in coming.
“In less than that, if it’s necessary,” he said.
“I’m not ordering you to go, Tim,” went on the managing editor. “It’s up to you, but it’s a great chance for the News to scoop the world if you can get inside Lopez’ lines, gain his confidence, and get back here with exclusive pictures of the rebel camp. It will be dangerous and your life will be in your own hands.”
“I’ll be ready to start in half an hour,” was Tim’s even-toned reply. Inwardly he was seething with excitement for it was his biggest assignment.
“I was fairly sure you would go,” smiled Carson, “but I don’t want you to take an unnecessary risk. I’ve had your equipment ordered, a high speed camera, and plenty of plates for the long distance shots. In addition, we have a small pocket camera that may come in handy if they seize your big machine. Here’s plenty of money for expenses on the first part of the trip and we’ll authorize the bank at Nogales, Arizona, to honor your checks for any amounts that you may need.”
Tim had turned away from the managing editor’s desk to tell Dan Watkins of his big assignment when Carson called him back.
“I think you ought to know,” he said, “that if you get those pictures we can sell the national rights on them to a news picture service. That will mean several thousand dollars and I’ll see that you get a fair share if you succeed.”
Dan, at the copy desk, was enthusiastic, but he cautioned Tim to be careful.
“We’ll miss you, Tim, and will be looking for your return,” he added as they said goodbye.
Tim hurried to his room, gathered the few essentials he would need for the trip, and drove out to the field. There he inspected the cameras and made sure that everything was in readiness for the long flight. It would be a good 1,000 miles to Nogales, on the border, and another 200 miles down into the mountains of Sonora before Tim could hope to come in contact with the rebel forces.