“That’s what comes of being late, I suppose,” mused our hero as he started for the little room, off the main city one, where Mr. Emberg, city editor of the Leader, had his desk and chair.
“Good-morning, Larry,” said Mr. Emberg briskly. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“I’m sorry I was late,” answered the reporter. “I started out in time, but I had a couple of experiences with a ‘subway porker.’ A fellow shoved himself all over. Stepped on a girl’s ankle, and there came near being a row. It’s funny how selfish some chaps are. Maybe it would make a good story to write something about our overcrowded conditions in the subway.”
“Well, maybe,” admitted the city editor. “But some one else besides you will have to do it. Never mind about subways, crowds, porkers, or girls who get stepped on this morning, Larry. I’ve got another assignment for you.”
“What is it?”
“Something big. In fact, it’s the biggest thing I’ve put you on since your hunt for the missing millionaire. There’s nothing hanging over for you to clean up; is there?”
“No, I’m all through with that church-meeting story.”
“Good! Then I want you to get right out after this. It’s the biggest thing that’s been pulled off in New York in a long time. But it isn’t going to be easy to get.”
“What is it, Mr. Emberg?”
“Shut the door, Larry, and come over here. I don’t want this to get out, for we may pull off a ‘scoop’ on it.”