And he had. When the Leader’s rivals’ sheets came out not one of them had the story of the million-dollar bank robbery, and only a few had a hint that anything was wrong, financially, with the institution. Only hints were given.
“That’s the best Peter could do,” said Larry joyfully, as he looked over the other papers. “He didn’t get the story.”
“No, you scored a clean beat, Larry,” said Mr. Emberg proudly. “It was great work! But it can’t stop there.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that you’ve got to keep right on with this story. Larry, I’m going to give you the biggest assignment you ever had. I want you to find out where that million dollars went, and who took it. Find the thief, Larry, and get the story of the mystery. It’s up to you. From now on you’re to do nothing but keep on this bank case. Live in Wall street if you have to. Stay there night and day, but get the story. It’s up to you!”
“All right,” spoke the young reporter rather solemnly. “I’ll do my best.”
“Go down to the bank now,” suggested Mr. Emberg, “and show them our story. Maybe they’ll be willing to talk after they see what we have printed.”
CHAPTER IV
LARRY AT THE BANK
There was quite a different scene being enacted in the Consolidated National Bank when Larry arrived there, about three o’clock on the afternoon of the day his story of the robbery came out, and proved such a sensational “beat,” than there was on his first visit. As the young reporter entered the institution, he saw an excited crowd of men, and some women, in line at the paying teller’s window. Inside the brass gratings clerks, cashiers and other employees were very busy.
“It looks like a run,” remarked Larry, half to himself, as he stood in the corridor, and watched the crowd of evidently frightened depositors.