Jimmy called for the long-distance operator and asked for the Lee home in Ringtown. He begged the operator to hurry the call, as it was an urgent one. In a very few moments Jimmy had his connection. To his delight, Johnnie himself answered the telephone. Jimmy recognized his voice at once.
“Hello, Johnnie,” he said. “This is Jimmy Donnelly. Have you heard anything about a mine explosion in your neighborhood?”
“We sure have,” said Johnnie. “It was near Krebs. It was a terrible affair.”
“Where’s Krebs?” demanded Jimmy.
“About two miles from here. It’s at the foot of North Mahanoy Mountain.”
“What do you know about the disaster, Johnnie?”
“A lot, Jimmy. My father’s first cousin, Pat Healy, telephoned us all about it. He’s a foreman in the mine, and was just on his way out when the explosion occurred. He got out all right, though he was hurt some. But he says there are scores of men entombed.”
“Can you get hold of him again, Johnnie?” cried Jimmy, his voice almost shaking with eagerness.
“Sure. He lives near us. Why?”
“It’s like this, Johnnie. I’m on my way out to cover this story. I’ve got to get pictures and as much of the story as I can pick up in a little while. But I had to land in Easton to pick up Mr. Handley. That’s going to delay me a lot. This is a chance for you to show what you can do in collecting news. Will you try it?”