A Republic Without a President, and Other Stories

s right pistol pocket, and stared at the yellow paper again. "Whew! I don't believe it!" he muttered. Then, aware that the keen eyes of the three-and-a-half

job put up by himself, whistled "Annie Rooney," took up a tattered copy of "Famous Quotations," laid it down again with an

ift, what

lert face from the evening edition of his own journal to that of his new

oria Regina, and chewed it nervously. The chief read the message through on

repeat, i

ake. Half think so still. I wouldn't insert it, and wired for an immediate rep

e it frequently happened that fourteen columns of purchased and paid for telegraphic despatches were not considered important enough to use, and were dr

, the whole appearance of this invaluable member of the Planet corps gave one the impression of the last minute of autumn, when even the trunks of the trees, the stones of t

ussell, the capital of the new

ilk bandanna, wiped his spectacles sadl

s,

disgust and respect, and tapped his

situated?" proceede

reat Gopher lake." Mr. Ticks fin

mber. Its p

dred and fifty-two. It increas

y so! I

nine months and

re. Its p

xty-four million dolla

Its indust

norance to concrete particulars. The reports have been singularl

s railroad

have their centre there-just built. Two roads are surveyed to s

interest, Mr. Ticks?

that is different from any other city-except-nothing, sir, that I am wil

cyclone area

rth. The Buzzard mountains to the south deflect all such st

at nonplussed, and handed Mr. Tic

you think

sir. I cannot

tation on it!" said Swift decidedly. Mr. Ticks' exasperating caution g

on the six thirty express. You did up the Charleston earthquake. You were th

nd his own ability and quickness, united with a certain caution, one might call it a news integrity, had raised him to his present position.

rtant news from a convex surface, it did no more and far less than the majority of its contemporaries, who had no telegraphic facts to

detain you any longer, Mr. Ticks. We shall want a column from you on Russell, to-night. And

n and special correspondent. Never failed me.

the steady, stern look that showed easy determination. He quickly

you get time, and-go! I depend on you for the fullest description to be had. If you do as

ll of bills from the phlegmatic cashier and bolt for the elevated train. In twenty-five minutes he was at the central station, with two minu