Shearson did the only thing he could think of in so unheard-of an emergency. He went out to call up the office of E.M. Pierce.
Left to his own thoughts, the editor-in-chief reconstructed the scene of the outrage. None too strong did that term seem to him. The incredible callousness of the daughter of millions, speeding away without a backward glance at the huddled form in the gutter, set a flame of wrath to heating his brain. He built up a few stinging headlines, and selected one which he set aside. "GIRL PLAYS JUGGERNAUT. ELIAS M. PIERCE'S DAUGHTER SERIOUSLY INJURES NURSE AND LEAVES HER LYING IN GUTTER." Not long after he had concluded, McGuire Ellis entered, slumped into his chair, and eyed his employer from under bent brows.
"Got a grip on your temper?" he asked presently.
"What's the occasion?" countered Hal.
"I think you're going to have an interview with Elias M. Pierce."
"Where and when?"
"In his office. As soon as you can get there."
"I think not."
"Not?" repeated Ellis, conning the other with his curious air.
"Why should I go to Elias M. Pierce's office?"