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 his overjoyed city editor, just like they do in a book. Within the hour, newsboys were shouting the extras that trumpeted Manning's disgrace to an eager city. So far—perfect!

Still flushed with the lavish praise of his boss and the congratulations of an envious staff, Thomas came right back to me to try and express his heartfelt gratitude. He tossed an extra, hot off the press, in front of me.

"We've simply flayed Manning alive, Gladys!" he laughs, a bit hysterically, "I've stood this town on its head! The Evening Wow was to change hands today, but that makes no difference to me now. I'm sitting pretty! My city editor says that if the new owners keep him on I'll get boosted to seventy-five per and be turned loose on nothing but big stuff. Why, I've already been assigned to cover that million-dollar Maiden Lane robbery and"

"Wait—here's a call for you!" I interrupted.

"Probably my city editor," says Tommy, loftily, "I left word where I'd be. Something big must have broken, if he wants me!"

And he dashed smilingly into the booth I waved him to. Oh, Thomas Brown was a big fellow, right then!

I guess it was ten minutes later when Thomas Brown of the Evening Wow staggered out of that phone