Mickey took the envelope and went racing. In half the time he would have used in going to the City Hall he was in the _Herald_ Building, making straight for the office of the editor. Mr. Chaffner was standing with a group of men earnestly discussing some matter, when his eye was attracted by Mickey, directly in range, and with the tip of his index finger he was cutting in air letters plainly to be followed: "S.O.S." Chaffner nodded slightly, and continued his talk. A second later he excused himself, and Mickey followed to the private room. "Well?" he shot at the boy. "Our subm'rine has sunk our own cotton." "Humph!" said Chaffner. "I've known for two weeks it was heading your way. Just what happened?" Mickey explained and produced the letter. Chaffner reached for it. Mickey drew back. "Why I wouldn't dare do just that," he said. "But I know that's what's in it, because I heard what he said, and by it you could tell what she said. I've told you every word, and you said the other day you knew; please tell me if I should deliver this letter?" "If you want to give me a special with the biggest scoop of ten years," said Chaffner, "and ruin Douglas Bruce and disgrace the Wintons, take it right along." "Aw gee!" wailed Mickey, growing ghastly. "Aw gee, Mr. Chaffner! Why you _can't_ do that! Not to _them!_ Why they're the _nicest folks;_ and 'tain't two weeks ago I heard Miss Leslie say to Mr. Bruce right in our office, 'losing money I could stand, disgrace would _kill_ me.' You can't kill her, Mr. Chaffner! Why she's the nicest, and the prettiest----She found me, and sent me to the boss, like I told you. Honest she did! Why you can't! You just _can't!_ Why Mr. Chaffner, I can see by your nice eyes you can't! Aw gee, come on now!" Mickey's chin hooked over the editor's elbow, his small head was against his arm, his eyes were dripping tears, but his voice controlled and steady was entreating. "You know there's a screw loose somewhere," explained Mickey. "You know 'darling old Daddy' couldn't ever have done it; and if somebody under him has gone wrong, maybe he could make it up, if he was here and had an hour or so. That day, Miss Leslie said he should give all he had for his friend, and he could have all of hers. If she'd be willing for the money to go for her 'dear old Daddy's' _friend_, course she'd be glad to use it for her Daddy, and she's got a lot from her mother, and maybe Daddy has sold the land he went to sell, and all of that ought to be enough; and if it isn't, I know who will help them. Honest I do!" "Who, Mickey?" demanded Mr. Chaffner, instantly.