“Well, I guess the other papers will sit up and take notice,” went on Mr. Newton. “Not one of the other men got a line in to-day and they’re half wild. It took quite a while for the men to cut through the wall. Then there was a lot of speech-making over the importance of the affair and we finished the journey, walking all the way from New Jersey to New York, under the river, though I can’t exactly say it was without getting wet, for the tunnel leaked like a sieve after we got through the wall.” “It was a good piece of work,” commented Mr. Emberg. Then with a nod to Larry and Mr. Newton he went out. The reporter and the copy boy soon followed and, that night, Larry astonished his mother, sisters, and brother with the wonderful tale of going under the river. “It’s dess like a fairy ’tory,” said little Mary. “Did you find any gold?” asked Jimmy, his eyes big with astonishment. “No,” said Larry with a laugh, “I wish I had.” “And didn’t you see any goblins?” asked Lucy with a smile. “Nary a one,” was Larry’s reply. “Though some of the workmen looked like ’em in the darkness with their rough clothes and big boots on.” “I’m afraid it was a dangerous place,” spoke Mrs. Dexter. “I don’t believe I want you to be a reporter, Larry, if they have to take such risks.” “Oh, it isn’t often they have to go into such places,” replied Larry. “There was no danger. And think of being able to say you have been under the Hudson River! It’s like being a discoverer.” “Well, I’m glad you’re home safe,” said his mother. “Now we’ll have supper.” CHAPTER XV LARRY GOES TO SCHOOL It was with some surprise that Larry found a dollar extra in his pay envelope Friday afternoon, for it was on that day that the assistant cashier used to come around with the salaries. There was a five-dollar bill and two one-dollar bills, and Larry, who since his first raise had been getting six dollars a week, thought a mistake had been made. He went to Mr. Newton at the first opportunity and told him about it, asking his advice. “You’d better speak to Mr. Emberg about it before you hand the extra money back,” said the reporter, with a smile. “Eh? What’s that?” asked Mr. Emberg, when Larry, in hesitating tone, mentioned the matter. “An extra dollar, eh? Well, that’s all right, Larry. That’s a reward for your good work in the tunnel. I heard yesterday about you opening the door. Some of the workmen who knew it was closed found it opened, and knew you must have done it. I want to say that the _Leader_ appreciates such efforts. And the only way we can show appreciation is by giving people more money. So you’ll get seven dollars a week now. I hope it will be much more in time.” Larry glowed with pleasure, more at the kind words than at the increase in wages, though, of course, that was very welcome. “My, you’re getting rich,” said Lucy that night when, at the supper table, he told of his good fortune.