Dick swiftly called up "The Morning Blade' office. Spencer was there, and came to the telephone.
"How's news tonight?" asked Prescott, after naming himself.
"Duller than a lecture," rejoined Len.
"Would you like a hot one for the first page?" pursued Dick.
"Would I? Would a cat lap milk, or a dog run when he had a can tied to his tail? But don't string me, Dick. There's an absolute zero on news tonight."
"Then you stay right where you are for two or three minutes," Dick begged his reporter friend. "Officer Hemingway and some others are coming down to see you. You'll want to save three or four columns, I guess."
"Oh, now, see here, Dick——-" came Reporter Spencer's voice, in expostulation.
"Straight goods," Dick assured him. "When I say that I mean it. And, this time, I not only mean it, but know it. Wait! We'll be right down to your office."
Nor did it take Len Spencer long to realize that he had in hand the big news sensation of the hour for the people of Gridley.
Everyone in Gridley either wondered or shivered the next morning at breakfast table.