Chapter I: Preface: My Dear Boys

I have tried to write for you a story of newspaper life and tell how a boy, who started in the lowest position,--that of a copy carrier,--rose to become a reporter. The newspaper covers a wide field, and enters into almost every home, telling of the doings of all the world, including that which takes place right in our midst.

There are many persons in the business, which is an interesting and fascinating one. I have been actively engaged in it for nearly sixteen years, and I have seen many strange happenings. Some of these I have set down in this book for you to read, and I hope you will like them.

There are many things which I had not the time or space to tell about, and which may be related in other books of this series. There have been written many good stories of newspaper life and experiences. I trust I may have added one that will appeal especially to you boys. If I have, I will feel amply repaid for what I have done.

Yours with best wishes,
HOWARD R. GARIS.

January 10, 1907.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. FORECLOSING THE MORTGAGE 1

II. BAD NEWS 9

III. LOOKING FOR WORK 18

IV. LARRY AND THE REPORTER 26

V. LARRY SECURES WORK 36

VI. LARRY MAKES AN ENEMY 46

VII. THE MISSING COPY 53

VIII. PETER IS DISCHARGED 62

IX. LARRY GETS A STORY 70

X. LARRY MEETS HIS ENEMY 79

XI. LARRY HAS A FIGHT 87

XII. A STRANGE ASSIGNMENT 95

XIII. UNDER THE RIVER 104

XIV. LARRY’S SUCCESS 113

XV. LARRY GOES TO SCHOOL 121

XVI. LARRY AT A STRIKE 130

XVII. TAKEN PRISONER 139

XVIII. HELD CAPTIVE 148

XIX. LARRY’S MOVEMENTS 156

XX. BACK AT WORK 165

XXI. LARRY ON THE WATCH 173

XXII. TRAPPING A THIEF 181

XXIII. BAD MONEY 189

XXIV. A QUEER CAPTURE 197

XXV. A BIG ROBBERY 205

XXVI. THE MEN IN THE LOT 214

XXVII. LARRY IS REWARDED 222

XXVIII. THE RENOWNED DOCTOR 233

XXIX. THE OPERATION 241

XXX. THE FLOOD 249

XXXI. DAYS OF TERROR 257

XXXII. THE FLOOD INCREASES 265

XXXIII. DYNAMITING THE DAM 273

XXXIV. UNDER WATER 281

XXXV. THE RACE 290

XXXVI. LARRY SCORES A BIG BEAT 298

XXXVII. LARRY’S ADVANCEMENT 306

FROM OFFICE BOY TO REPORTER