The rain had stopped once more, and this time it seemed as if it might let up for some time, as the clouds grew lighter. But that was too late to prevent the damage by the rising waters, which continued to increase in depth. Fortunately most of the people in that section of the town had been given plenty of warning and had left their homes, taking all their most valued possessions with them.
However, there were some who lingered too late, and they were now fleeing with only a few necessaries. They made for the other side of the place, where the high ground around the hotel offered a chance for safety.
Larry and the operator hurried along, the former aiming to reach the hotel, and the telegrapher to make arrangements to set up a temporary office. At the hotel Larry found Mr. Newton, surrounded by a number of newspaper men, waiting for him.
“Did you make it?” asked Mr. Newton.
“Just in time. It was the last message,” said the boy.
“What’s that, Newton?” asked some of his acquaintances.
“I just sent a wire about the dam bursting,” was the answer.
“You don’t mean you’ve got another beat on us?”
“Well, I guess Larry did the biggest part of it,” replied Mr. Newton.
“Well, you two are a great team,” said some of the other reporters, disgusted at being beaten again.