The suburban citizen., 1902-09-20

plished, and what remained TO
be done. Then he leaned back and
lighted his last cigar with a feeling
akin to contentmeDt.
1t was that hour Of the night when
newspapers reckon time as almost in
valuable. Only the occasional entrance
of boy on some errand disturbed the
nominal quiet Of the big room where
the reporters worked as only reporters
can under high pressure. A few hours
later a needless public would glance
over it's papers with little or no thought
of the Immense wear, tear and strain
that had been necessary to make this
modern, up-to-date sheet.
But the city editors cigar had not
displayed more than a feathery rim of
white ash when, as Is sometimes the
case in the tugging hours Of early
morning, the unexpected happened.
"Train robbery at Melrosew shouted
the telephone boy.
Every man in the room was on his
feet. NIelrose was close in and each
reporter was quick to realize that in
order to get a good story for the morn
ings paper some very brisk hustllng
would be necessary.
Stone rushed to the telephone in an
effort TO find out from police headquar-
ters something more definite concern
ing the robbery. He got little salts
factton. The police had long stand
ing grudge against the Post for CRITICS
ing the force-which under Chief Bus
by had been palpably lax in its duties
Busby's appointment by partisan Po'
lice Board had been against the united
protest of the better element. His In
competency was early manifested, but
like many another vain, weak man, he
believed himself to be an object of per-
secutlon. And so, taking their cue
from Busby, the police had organized
virtual boycott and were plainly dis
posed to hold out against the Post
when opportunity offered and to favor
the other papers in the matter Of news
With this powerful agency playing in
to their hands, the Call and Bulletin
opposition papers, had scored more
than once against the Post. This con
ditlon of affairs did not tend to lessen
the tension between the Post and
Busby's men.
"The captain says he's nothing
further to give to the papers" snapped
the officer at the station, in answer
to Stones query.
"Does he know anything mOre?" per.
sisted the city editor Wont he give
us the source of his information and
it's exact wording? Won't he give us
something TO work on?'
"He says he will not; to do so would
defeat his own plans"
Defeat his own plans is good" re.
turned Stone sharply. "TeIl him this
Wen print more facts concerning this
robbery in the morning than Busy
and his whole force could secure in a
week" and Stone jammed the receiver
upon the hook with angry impatience
He felt in the same second, however
that he had placed himself in n deli
cate position, and must either make
good or lose prestige. What he had
said was boastful beyond doubt, but he
meant to keep his word If there re,
manned any reward for determined ac.
ton.
While a good man kept at the tele.
phone to obtain information from all
possible sources, rush was made for
the telegraph room. There it was dis.
covered that Melrose could not be
raised" The telegraph company re.
ported many wires cut between the
city and Melrose, evidently the work
Of the robbers.
No regular train for Melrose would
leave until 6.10 a. m., and to wait until
special was made up meant losing
precious time.
Running back to the local room the
city editor shouted his orders.
Here, Butler, we've got to make that
twelve miles in a vehicle of some sort
You go, too, Dickman! Never mind the
cost. Get to Melrose under the whip
It's now 1.30, Wire particulars il you
can; If not, ride back at a dead run
Butler heard the last order as he went
out Of the door. Dickmap seized his
coat and ran out with it on his arm.
The police reporter, unable to get any.
thing further out OF the captain, had
ridden up from the station in hack
and now rushed in breathless. Learn.
ing of the plan, out he went after Bul,
Ter and Dlckman.
Butler caught the first team in sight,
splendid pair Of the wiry broncho
type, hitched to a Post delivery wagon.
Dlckman was quickly beside him on
the seat, and Harris, the police re.
porter, grabbed the end-gate just as
the wagon swung around the corner
A second later the horses, frightened
at the sudden demands made upon
them, were running madly east toward
Melrose.
The men were too full of the import.
ant and unexpected mission to talk
much for the first few minutes. After