“I’ve been checking up on the damage down the lake,” said Tom, “that new summer resort on the east shore got the worst of it. The phone office finally got through and they estimate the damage at the resort at about $50,000.”
“Doctor Stevens believes the damage along the west half of the valley will amount to almost a $100,000,” said Helen.
“That’s a real story,” enthused Tom. “It’s big enough to telephone to the state bureau of the Associated Press at Cranston. They’ll be glad to pay us for sending it to them.”
“You telephone,” said Helen. “I’d be scared to death and wouldn’t be able to give them all the facts.”
“You’re the editor,” replied Tom. “It’s your story and you ought to do the phoning. Jot down some notes while I get a connection to Cranston.”
Tom went into the house to put in the long distance call just as Helen’s mother hurried across from the Stevens home.
“Are you all right, dear?” her mother asked.
“Not even wet,” replied Helen. “The coat and boots protected me even in the heaviest rain. Tom’s just gone inside to call the Associated Press at Cranston and I’m going to tell them about the storm.”
“Hurry up there,” came Tom’s voice from inside the house. “The Cranston operator has just answered.”
“And I haven’t had time to think what I’ll say,” added Helen, half to herself.