“Didn’t notice it,” answered the other. “I’m tired of all these strikes, and never waste time reading about them. Life’s too short.”
Myles replied: “Yes, that is so.” But he thought: “What a stupid fellow!”
After all he reached the Phonograph office before any of the other reporters. Mr. Haxall sat in the great room alone. He glanced up from his papers as Myles entered and said:
“Ah, Mr. Manning, that you? Step here a moment, please.”
“Now for a real triumph,” thought Myles. “He must say something in praise for what I have done.”
“You have been absent from this office for five days at Mountain Junction, I believe,” said Mr. Haxall.
“Yes, sir.”
“And in that time we have received but one dispatch from you?”
“Well, sir, I can explain—” began Myles, eagerly.