He laid his hand on
the lad's brow and said: "That would be worth the price of any scoop I
ever pulled off, Mickey. Are you going to be a lawyer or write that poetry
for me?"
"If I'd ever even thought of law, _this_ would cook me," said Mickey.
"Poetry it is, as soon as I earn enough to pay for finding out how to do
it right."
"And when you find out, will you come on my staff, and work directly under
me?" asked Mr. Chaffner.
"Sure!" promised Mickey. "I'd rather do it than anything else in the
world. It would suit me fine. That is, if you're coming in among my nice
men----"
Mr. Chaffner held out his hand. "This is going to cost me something in
prestige and in cash," he said, "but Mickey, you make it _worthwhile_.
Here are your instructions: _don't_ deliver that letter! Cut for Minturn
and give it to him. Tell him if he wants me, to call any time inside an
hour, and that he hasn't longer than noon to make good. He'll understand.
If you can't beat a taxi on foot, take one. Have you money?"
"Yes," said Mickey, "but just suppose he isn't there and I can't find
him?"
"Then find his wife, and tell her to call me.
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