Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-04-19
A Reporters EQSteT.



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The bells were ringing Easter evening
to summon the faithful to last service
when sch entered the office. She would
much rather have been at one of the
numerous services to which the chimes
called attention, but in her way lay
duty, and, moreover, she must live.
If a woman has any latent intuition it
cannot help being developed in a news
paper office. There, where a fallen dy-
nasty or floor or a suicide means, first
of all, SO many "stickfuls' Of description,
written i'll limited number Of minutes,
one doesn't find time to arrive at conclu-
sions logically and in order But Miss
Quinley was quick-wtted anyway, and
when she opened the door of the report
ers' room that sparkling morning and
pressed in against the blast of hot
smoky air that seemed glad of chance
to escape it became instantly plain to
her that something unusually important
had happened. A man in his shirt sleeves
who was busily engaged in believing
directions down a tube, looked up as
she entered and nodded.
big hotel explosion" he volunteered,
laconically
The girl swung open the gate and
walked directly over to the city editors
office, which was little more than a pen,
made by partitioning off one corner.
She was young and rather pretty, and
her face had a firm, decided look as if
she were living definitely and with
purpose. Hemans, the city editor, glanc-
ed at her over his shoulder as she cast
a shadow on his paper, but still kept on
writing.
Good evening, Miss Quinley," he said.
In the sharp, irritable tone of a person
whose already tense nerves had received
another twist.
Presently; when he had finished look
ing over his assignment book, he turned
to Miss Quinley.
There's plenty Of work to be DONE"
he said, scowling ''This explosion
changes the whole night. I must put
the men right into it. If you were
man row-but don't see anything you
would want to do"
1T isn't a question of whether l want
TO do it or not" replied the girl. draw
ing herself up with some spirit, sit is
question of whether l can do it or not"
The city editor fingered a roll of pink
assignment slips doubtfully.
"You might go down to the hospital
and get a story about the wounded; it
won't he very pleasant, though" he said,
tentatively.
Young Mason, who by reason of his
youth and a certain righteousness of
manner. was the most profitable of all
the reporters TO send among women-folk,
came in at that instant and caught the
last remark.
Il wouldn't co. Miss Qinley those
poor wretches won't be a good sight" he
advised her, boldly. They were the best
of friends.
"Why, somebody must do it." she said,
''and | don't suppose man would bear
1t much better"
Hemans made a gesture implying that
this discussion was out of place.
Have your copy here by II O'clock"
he said. cutting them short with a swift
return Of his old sharpness.
Half past twelve had come and most
of the men had gone out to lunch. He
mans tramped up and down between the
double row of empty desks and consult
ed his watch every few minutes to the
immediate confusion of Dicky Mason.
1.-Two men late" the editor burst
forth, feverishly, "and Miss Quinley-
heaven knows where. Do you suppose
she has forgotten all about the paper
and gone off to start a subscription list
for the sufferers, or tainted, or lost her
wey? | suppose she has lost her way"
Hemans went back into his Office and
nj roI vNs11 &c G., -
purpose of getting his mind focused.
BY and by the men began to straggle in,
and kept him occupied until quite late;
then he loomed up in the doorway once
more and beckoned to Dicky Mason
Il WISH if you can be spared, that you
would go over to the hospital and look
up Miss Quinley," he said. Il don't feel
quite comfortable about her not coming
back"
Dicky began to get into his street
coat with an expression of peace on his
face and vengeance in his heart. But
as he dawdled hunting for match,
there was a little rush in the hall and
Miss Quinley came in almost running.
She went straight up to the city editor
and stopped in front of him. Her eyes
were dark and her face chalky white. 1t
was evident that she was laboring under
the strongest excitement.
''Mr. Hemans, l must see you, must
see you alone" she said, agitatedly.
Hemans stepped back and allowed her
TO pass into the office before him; there
was door. She motioned to him to
shut it.
"What ! am going to say belongs only
30 you" she explained
Hemans seated himself and made q
plaI at sorting some papers. 1t was