Almost as rapidly as it had risen the flood went down. The storm ceased and the waters, finding many places to run to, soon disposed of themselves. The day after Larry won the race that was to mean so much to him the part of the town around the hotel was almost free from the flood.
“The worst is over,” said Mr. Newton. “We’ll be going back home soon.”
“We can’t go any too soon to suit me,” said Larry. “I want to see my mother and Lucy and the others.”
“I don’t blame you,” spoke the reporter. “I’ll be glad to get back to New York myself.”
They remained in Stoneville two days longer, and each day Mr. Newton sent a graphic story of the flood. The townspeople were returning to the homes they had deserted. Much damage had been done, but help came pouring in from every side.
Trains began to run, and the mails, that had been interrupted, resumed their service. Larry and Mr. Newton received several copies of the Leader, containing the story which Larry had so successfully raced to get to the telegraph office. Copies of other New York papers, of the same date were also received, but none of them had more than a few lines about the flood and burst dam, while the Leader’s story covered a whole page under big headlines.
On the evening of the second day, after the big beat, Mr. Newton received a telegram from Mr. Emberg. It read:
“Congratulations to you and Larry. Come home. Associated press will cover remainder of the story.”
“Get ready!” exclaimed Mr. Newton to Larry. “We’re going home to-morrow!”
Several of the other special correspondents had already left Stoneville. Some accompanied Mr. Newton and Larry the next morning.