South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-07-09

his card In LONDON every paper
that Van Benschoten tried for occu-
pied a building all to itself, and there
was a liveried guard at the front
door TO keep out all who seemed to
lack plausible reason for entering
Van Benschoten finally determined
that his best chance was with the
London Daily News. because ii was
more like an American paper than
any of the others, and he devoted his
entire attention TO trying to break in
there. After repeated calls, he grad
ually made friends with the big
Waterman at the front door, who
looked like an officer of the Kings
Guard. He persuaded the guard to
give him the wink when the city edi-
tor passed out the door on his way to
lunch. In that way Van BenschOten
overcame obstacle No. 1.
HurriedIy he made his wants
known to the city editor while tagging
after him. He explained that he was
bright young journalist who would
be a rare find for the paper if the
paper chose to take advantage OF it's
opportunity.
ANY ideas?" laconically asked the
city editor.
Now, it is disconcerning to be
asked all Of a sudden if you have
any ideas. Sometimes il is difficult
TO think Of bright ideas right off
the reel.
"Ah. yes" replied Van Benschoten.
however; "a great many ideas. Ideas
is what I make a specially Of"
He said all that in order 10 give
himself time to think up some ideas.
We'll. what could you write right
now that would be interesting"
asked the city editor.
For a minute the city editor had
all the best Of il, but, as luck would
have il. an idea rolled out of the slot
in Van BenschOten's mind.
We'll, how would this be?" began
Billy you know there was TO be
an eclipse Of the sun today. For all
1 know it occurred on schedule time,
but this fog is so dense that nobody
would ever know whether there is
an eclipse going on or not l be-
lieve 1 could write a good feature
story about how London didn't see
the eclipse
Write it," said the city editor.
"How'l I get into the office?
quickly asked Billy.
That's a pretty good question"
remarked the editor man, smiling for
the first time. I'll give you a card
that will let you in"
SO Billy wrote the eclipse yarn well
enough to get one more assignment.
Go out and get up a good story to
run three-quarters Of a column
about the latest developments in the
telephone situation" were his instruc-
tions-just that and nothing more
And mind you. Billy didn't know
anything whatever about the tele-
phone situation. He didn't even
know there was a situation.
But he asked no questions and
started out. For a while he stood on
the street corner Then he walked
up to a policeman and asked him:
Where can l find a lawyer?"
"a what?" asked the cop.
4 said a lawyer" said Billy Il
wish TO consult a lawyer. or solicit
tor, I guess they're called. mostly"
There's a bunch of 'em in that
building yonder." said the cop, point
ing.
The building proved TO be a regular
hive of lawyers, or solicitors. Billy
roamed the corridors. peering in at
every open door. until he noticed
particularly benevOlent-lOOking, elder
" lawyer, and then he walked in.
Briefly he told the lawyer how he
happened to be trying for job and
about his Assignment 10 write up
the latest development in the tele-
phone situation.
And what 1 want" he explained,
''is some kind-hearted person like
you appear TO be 10 tell me what's up
in regard 10 the telephone business.
what all has happened so far? Then
maybe can find out what may hap
pen next"
Il happened that the lawyer was a
man who kept himself Informed on
current events. and he was ale to
start in at A and explain the tele-
phone troubles right through 10 Z.
Billy thanked him and went 10 the
telephone company after still later
particulars He was able then 10
write a story that made q hit in his
Office. and was on the first page OF
the paper the next day.
Then he learned that the city edi-
tor had handed him the telephone
assignment on the assumption that
he would find ii battling and return
10 the office no more Just at the
end OF two days he was assured Of
place on that staff as long as he
wanted il.
He knew to the penny how much
money he would need to sail for
home. The moment he had the re-
quired sum he did a thing that gave
him a real thrill OF delight He r.