low-clerks looked the only way they
dared--terrified! They would have given a great deal to have been able
to act as human beings.

"The reporters are in the president's room!" ran the whisper among the
clerks. From there it reached the curious mob within the bank. From
there it spread to the congested proletariate without the doors. Said
proletariate began to grow. Baseball bulletin-boards were not displayed,
but the public was going to get something for nothing. Hence, free
country.

The _Globe_ man heard one of the bank's messengers call the policeman
"Jim." Being a contemporary historian, he addressed the policeman
amicably.

"Jim, Mr. Goodchild says to bring in Senator Lowry and party."

With that he beckoned to the _Globe_'s militant photographers and five
colleagues and preceded them into the president's private office.

"Quick work, Tommy," warned the reporter.

"Flash?" laconically inquired "Senator Lowry." He was such a famous
portraitist that his sitters never gave him time to talk. Hence his
habit of speaking while he could. He prepared his flash-powder.

"Yep!" and the reporter nodded.

The others also unlimbered their cameras. The _Globe_ man threw open the
door.

The president was angrily haranguing the reporters.

"Mr. Goodchild," said the _Globe_ man, "look pleasant!"

Mr. Goodchild turned quickly and opened his mouth.

_Bang!_ went, the flash-powder.

"Hel--" shrieked Mr. Goodchild.

"--p!" said the pious young _Journal_ man, with an air of completing the
presidential speech. A good editor is worth his weight in pearls.

The photographers' corps retreated in good order and record time.

"For the third and last time will you tell us why you won't let your
daughter marry Mr. Rutgers!" asked the _Globe_.

"No."

"Then will you tell us why you won't let Mr. Rutgers marry your
daughter?"

Mr. Goodchild was conservative to the last. Too many people who needed
money had talked to him in the borrower's tone of voice. He could not
grasp the new era. He said, "You infernal blackmailer--"

"Sir," cut in the _Globe_ man, with dignity, "you are positively
insulting! Be nice to the other reporters. I thank you for the
interview!" He bowed and left the office, followed by all the others
except the _Evening Post_ man, who, unfortunately, had never been able
to rid himself of the desire to get the facts. It was partly his editor,
but mostly the absence of a sense of humor.

"I think, Mr. Goo