“It wasn’t anything,” replied Larry. “I was trying to get close to where the accident happened.”
“There’s such a thing as getting too close,” remarked Mr. Newton, grimly. “Get the news, and don’t be afraid, but don’t go poking your head into the lion’s mouth. You can take it easier now. I’m going to help you.”
“Did you know I was here?” asked Larry.
“No. Mr. Emberg heard of the fire, and telephoned me I had better cover it.”
“It’s ’most over now,” observed Larry.
“So I see,” remarked Mr. Newton, as he noted that the flames were dying out under the dampening influence of tons of water poured on them. “You’ve seen the best part of it. I suppose it will make a good story?”
“Fine,” replied Larry. “I only hope I can write it up in good shape.”
“I guess you can, all right,” responded Mr. Newton. “I’ll help you. Perhaps you had better go home now, as your mother might be worried about you.”
Larry agreed that this was a good plan, and made his way through the crowd to a car, which he boarded for his home, arriving somewhat after midnight.
His mother was sitting up waiting for him, and was somewhat alarmed at his absence, as rumors of the big fire had spread downtown, and it was said that a number had been killed.