The young man walked slowly downstairs and answered the telephone. He recognized the voice of the city editor.
“Hello — Stevens?” came the question.
“Yes, sir,” replied the ex-reporter.
“Get back here to the office, right away. I want to talk to you.”
“But” — Stevens’ voice was doubtful — “I thought you fired me, sir.”
“I did. But I’m hiring you again. You’re due for an increase in salary. I want to discuss it with you.”
“But I don’t understand,” blurted Stevens. “You said — “
“Forget what I said. We’ve put your story on the front page in a two-column box. It’s a scoop!”
The receiver clicked at the other end.
Stevens started for the subway. He stopped at a stand and bought a copy of the final edition of his paper. The big headlines on the front page brought a gasp of astonishment to his lips.