"Which has the most in about the fire?"
"All about the same, sir. Better take 'em all, sir. Then you'll be sure to have all the news," added the newsboy shrewdly.
At this the stout gentleman laughed.
"I don't know but what you are right," he said. "Give me one of each."
The words were scarcely uttered when the newsboy had the papers ready for him. Taking the several sheets, the stout man passed over a dime and started to cross the crowded thoroughfare.
"Change, sir!" cried the boy, and dove into his pocket for a handful of cents.
"Never mind the change, lad."
"Thank you, sir!" The newsboy wheeled quickly. "Herald, Times, Tribune! Who'll have a paper? All the latest news! Extra!"
The stout man stepped from the curb into the gutter, and there halted to let a truck go by. As he waited he began to scan one of the newspapers he had purchased. Suddenly he gave a violent start.