The San Francisco call., 1909-11-14

THAT is just it," She smiled sympathetically
Unless you make it point visit all the offices OF
the evening newspapers before they will be sure
to feature the item. and even then doubt She
looked at her watch. "It would be best make the
yellows think you're giving them special story
and you'll have to rush."
sat staring at her helplessly "All the evening
newspapers" groaned Why, there so many
Of them! 1 don't even know the names'-
She sat down at her desk and ran off list without
a moments hesitation. Il shall use your name" she
half questioned as she handed it to me- 'in denying
the engagement"
Absolutely" / said with unnecessary violence,
"and I'll vouch for It, My mother"- I rushed on
precipitately then stopped biting my lip with jerk
has made-a mistake" I added lamely hating my
self for my betrayal
The Evening Newspapers
She turned back to her desk. I'm glad can
rectfy It," she replied carelessly. And any other
time-Tm Ruth Cavanagh" she ended, and in spite
Of my distress I knew / should remember the name.
The rest Of the morning like fox hunt. was
after the quarry-the miserable paragraph!the hot
kind of chase and prayed to the kill by the
whole pack Of newspapers-the widest and most
boodthristy to have first chance at it. If had not
been in such deadly earnest think might have en-
joyed it to the fullest extent.
But the rustic and hustle of newspaper offices sped
by me like the scenes that skim past train bound
straight for it's destination. Even the who
brutally asked what scandal 1 had for sale
when tried the newspaper woman's advice and Of
fered him Something special" aroused only passing
indignation which 1 hastily swallowed. Maybe you
think they don't come here trying to sel!" he vndi-
Gated himself once 1 had stated that my con-
cerned only myself
why I've got 'em coming in every day-men and
women alke-with stories. scandals about their best
frta ak at nrice HOVy
get information? 1t high" he grinned, "but
we must have it, And If get it from
headquarters"-and if in proof Of his amazing
assertion caught feeting glimpse Of tall slim
figure passing his door, which, in spite of obvious
haste, 1 recognized as that of the Hal Brakeman's
protege, Mrs Richard Stannard.
When 1 had been obsequiously bowed out Of the
last Office by fabby, middle aged Of dapper
dress who attempted to shake hands if he'd known
me all my lfe 1 stepped with great gulp of relief
into the street. yet wondering what quota of progress
1 would have to show for my pilgrimage. had not
received the assurance from all that the first had so
readily given. 1 had felt somehow at that she
understood.
For moment hesitated the curb, uncertain
what direction give and in that moment the
crowded thoroughfare caught me up. pushing me
straight into the of Robert Stead
1 tried to hide my confusion at meeting him, but
he looked up at the building had just left We'll.
aren't you afraid of catching it?'
"What?" 1 asked, miserably self-conscious.
"Why, haven't they yellow flag waving those
offices up there? And you know what that means,
'Dangeri Keep away from these premises"
laughed uneasily. 1t was evident he had not seen
the morning newspaper still held clutched inside
my muf Sometimes we must conquer disease by
Drawing it. That's what I've had to do this morning.
''Mr. Stead" 1 hesitated-I want to see Dick Imust
speak to limits more than important Where can
/ find hm?'
My brothers partner frowned and his quick eyes
were bent on the surging crowd about I'm
afraid you won't find Dick just now" he answered
finally and his frown deepened- He has out to
luncheon and told he wouldn't return today" His
had changed the alert quality gone from it. But
he turned to presently. "You will probably think
it presumptious-it undoubtedly is-but won't you
speak to me instead of Dick? I'm a lawyer, too you
know" He smiled.
'Yes, but not-a brother" added, hesitating. For
the moment did long to fling myself within the bull
wark Of force and protection this represented.
He looked down at swiftly. "No-not that
And his disconcerting eyes met mine.
But" couldn't help adding. "I feel you could
help me, Mr.. Stead. I-wish might let you" And
when he gave me his hand as stepped the motor
turned impulsively. You'll see an announcement.
I'm sure, in of the evening papers and IN others
a denial" went precpitately. Believe the de-
NAL. please Mr.. Stead-and tell every else to-
And 1 gave instructions for home"
When reached there found that half a dozen re-
porters had been ahead Of and that my mother had
them all.
made no attempt to touch the luncheon prepared
for me. but wandered nervously from room to room.
and at last sent for the motor again. finging myself
into 1t with directions take up the drive was
miseraby restless, feeling that would go mad before
the evening papers told their tale I did not know
that, at such early hour, could find out what
some OF them had to say.
We were turning into the avenue when caught
sight of Carley rounding the corner-Carley who Of
all people in the world be given explanation
and at waved to him wildly and he stopped
the curb did. A moment he stood looking up az