vercome.

He thought of the date he was supposed to have with her that evening.
It would have to be postponed until later. The story came first. And
then ...

He drove his car swiftly through the outskirts of the city and into the
main part of town. Then he pulled up before the offices of the _Tucson
Star_ and left his car at the curb.

* * * * *

He entered the building, took the elevator to his floor and walked into
the city room. The clatter of typewriters met his ears and the sound was
sweet to him in that moment.

He crossed swiftly to his desk and sat dawn. Then he motioned to a copy
boy. The boy came up to his desk.

"Jerry, tell the chief to hold up the form on page one. I've got a
special--an accident out at the Proving Grounds. Headline copy."

The youth hurried away toward the office of the City Editor, and Fred
picked up his phone and dialed a number. He waited a moment and then the
voice of Joan Drake came across the wire.

"Dr. Fenwick's office."

"Joan, this is Fred."

The girl's voice laughed across the wire. "Don't tell me you're planning
to break our date? Just when I get all dressed up."

A smile crossed Trent's lips. "You're almost psychic, honey. Fact is, I
was calling to tell you I'll be a little late."

There was a pause and when the girl spoke again there was an injured
note in her voice.

"Well, that's a fine thing. I wait here deliberately after hours for you
to pick me up and now you tell me you'll be late! Just what's so more
important than me right now?"

"I haven't got time to tell you now, Joan, but believe me, I've got the
break of the year. A story that will rock the front pages across the
country. I'll tell you all about it later. You can wait at Fenwick's
place. He won't mind, will he?"

He could hear the girl sniff on the other end of the wire.

"I don't suppose he will, but I don't think I can say the same for
myself."

"That's a good girl," Trent laughed. "Just wait for me. It may be an
hour or so--"

"An _hour_ or so! What are you writing, the great American novel?"

He looked up and saw the frowning face of the City Editor approaching
his desk. He spoke hurriedly.

"I've got to sign off now. The boss is coming up. I'll see you later.
Give my regards to Brutus."

He replaced the phone as the editor reached his desk.

"What's all this about a remake on the front page, Trent?"

Fred nodded. "That's right, chief. The bigges