“Mack, maybe you’d better try to find Potter,” went on Mr. Emberg after a pause, turning to another reporter.  “You know him.  Tell him we’ve got an interview with Sullivan, and ask him what the support of Reilly means.”

Mack, whose name in full was McConnigan, but who was never designated as anything but “Mack,” glanced at the proofs of Larry’s story.

“I guess I’ll find him in Donnegan’s place,” he said, naming a resort where men of wealth frequently gathered for lunch.  “I’ll try there.”

“Anywhere to find him,” returned the city editor.

“Are you looking for Hamden Potter?” asked an old man, coming into the city room at that juncture.

“That’s what we are,” said the city editor.  “Why, do you know where to find him, Mr. Hogan?  Have you got a story for us to-day?”

Hogan was an old newspaper man, never showing any great talents, and he had seen his best days.  He was not to be relied on any more, though he frequently took “tips” around to the different papers, receiving for them, together with what money he could beg or borrow, enough to live on.

“I’ve got a story, yes.  I was down at the steamship dock of the Blue Star line a while ago, and I see Mr. Potter’s family come off a vessel.

“Was he with them?  Have you got the story?” demanded Mr. Emberg, eagerly.

“I’ve got everything, I guess.  I’ve got all but the main facts, anyhow.  I don’t know whether Potter was with them or not.  I didn’t think it was of any importance.”

“Importance!” exclaimed the city editor.  Then he bethought him of Hogan’s character, and knew it was useless to speak.  “Everything but the facts—­the most important fact of all,” Mr. Emberg murmured.

“Isn’t that tip worth something?” demanded Hogan.

“Oh, I suppose so,” and Mr. Emberg wrote out an order on the cashier for two dollars.  Poor Hogan shuffled from the room.  He was but a type of many who have outlived their usefulness.

“Jump down to the Blue Star dock, Mack,” the city editor said, when Hogan had gone.  “Find out all you can about the Potters—­where they have been and where Mr. Potter went.  Hurry now!”

As Mack was going out the telephone rang.  It was a message from Mr. Newton to the effect that he could not find Mr. Potter, and that at his office it was said he was still in Europe.

“Hurry to his house,” said Mr. Emberg over the wire.  “I have a tip that his family just got in on the Messina of the Blue Star line.  I’ve sent Mack to the dock!  You go to the house!”

Thus, like a general directing his forces, did the city editor send his men out after news.

CHAPTER X

THREATS AGAINST LARRY

Second edition-time was close at hand, but no news regarding Mr. Hamden Potter had come in from either Newton or Mack.  From a reporter sent to interview representatives of the company constructing the subway came a message to the effect that none of the officers would talk for publication.