Larry’s story of the trip to the steamship offices was not very interesting reading, for it was but a record of failure.  He realized that, but there was nothing else to print and the paper had to have something.  It was not Larry’s fault, for even a reporter on a special assignment cannot provide fresh and startling news every day, though all newspaper men try hard enough for this desirable end.

After Larry had telephoned in all the information he had, he hurried uptown to the Potter house.  He found Grace had just come in, and, to Larry’s relief, she had not been successful in getting any news from Captain Padduci.  In a few words the reporter told what the Scorcher had printed.

“We must deny that at once!” exclaimed Grace.  “I wonder why they print such untruths!”

“For one reason, because the Scorcher is trying to live up to its name and give the public ‘hot’ news,” replied Larry, “and, for another, because Sullivan has some end to gain.  He stands in with the Scorcher men, and I think my old enemy, Peter Manton, is responsible for this.”

“What can you do to offset it?” asked Grace.

“I can have a signed statement from you or your mother in our last edition.”

“A signed statement?”

“Yes, a little interview with you, in the form of a communication, with your name at the foot, denying that your father is at home.  This will take the wind out of the Scorcher’s sails.”

“Then I’ll give you the interview at once.  What shall I say?”

Larry told her, and in a few minutes the message was being dictated over the Potter telephone to Mr. Emberg.

“I’m glad to hear this, Larry,” the city editor said.  “We had quite a scare.  I thought they had you beaten, even though Harvey came back and said Mrs. Potter sent down word there was no truth in the Scorcher yarn.  You certainly had us scared.”

“I was frightened myself,” admitted Larry, with a laugh.

“This will make story enough for to-day, unless you find Mr. Potter,” Mr. Emberg went on.  “Now lay pipes for something for to-morrow.”

“I will,” Larry replied, though he did not in the least know what new features he could “play up.”

At that instant the bell rang, and a whistle indicated that the letter carrier was at the door.  Grace answered it.  She came back on the run, a missive in her hand.

“It’s from my father!” she exclaimed, as she tore open the envelope.

Larry watched Grace while she read the letter.  It was short, for she had quickly finished with it and turned to the reporter.

“He’s written about you!” she exclaimed.

“About me?”

“Yes.  Listen,” and Grace read: 

     “’I am well.  Still have to remain away.  Don’t try to find me.  Will
     be home soon.  Tell Larry Dexter to give up.  He’s chasing me too
     close.’”