The houses of those whom the flood had not reached were thrown open to the unfortunates. The hotel took in all it could hold, but the proprietor was obliged to put everyone on short rations, for food was getting scarce, and the railroad was under water, so no more could be brought in that way. There was plenty of material for newspaper copy now. The reporters, Mr. Newton included, went out on a tour of investigation, making notes of what they saw. The men who worked on morning papers were in a quandary how to get their news off until someone said there was a telegraph office in the next town, about five miles away over the hills. Several of them clubbed together, hired a horse and carriage, and drove over with their copy. “I wonder if I’ll have to do that in the morning,” Mr. Newton said to Larry. “I think I have a better plan,” said the boy. “What is it?” Then Larry told of how the Stoneville operator was going to open a temporary office on the hill in a tent. “If he does that, in time for us, it will be just the thing,” said Mr. Newton. “Keep quiet concerning it. Don’t say anything about it to the other fellows.” “Why not?” “Because we don’t want them to know it. If they find it out they’ll go there and file stuff, and ours may be delayed. You must learn, in the newspaper business, to know everything and tell nothing, especially to the fellow on the other paper.” “I’ll go over the first thing in the morning and find out if he’s opened his place,” said Larry. That night was one of terror. Fortunately there was enough warning about the bursting of the dam so that most of the people were out of the way in time, and none was killed. But the property loss was tremendous. About midnight the waters ceased to rise, but they still inundated most of the town, and would for some time, since the country for quite a distance above was covered with the flood. Early the next morning Larry got up, dressed, and went downstairs. He was surprised to find the corridor of the hotel partly filled with water. “What’s the matter?” he asked the clerk. “Oh, they tried to drown us out last night,” was the reply. “Has the flood reached here?” asked the boy. “Take a look out front and you’ll think so,” the man went on. Larry looked from the windows. He saw that the street was inundated, the water being about four feet deep. “How am I going to get out?” he asked in dismay. “Swim,” said the clerk with a laugh, in spite of the gravity of the situation. “It’s not very cold. Or you might wait for the flood to go down.” “I haven’t time for that,” said Larry, “and I don’t believe I could swim as far as I intend to go.” “There are some fellows outside with boats, and they may take you where you want to go,” the clerk said. “That’s a good idea,” said the boy. “I’ll try it.” He went out on the front steps, through the corridor, which contained about an inch of water. As he reached the front door a rowboat, propelled by a big man, shot up.