A Yarn about an Enterprising young Journalist. THE SCOOP.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 33, 29 October 1920, Page 14

A Yarn about an Enterprising young Journalist. THE SCOOP.

$ :wtn m mm Sir, Arthur Benson, the greai news- son, should have chosen hira frora paper magnate, pressed the bell on his amongst the rankg of a large " nuraber desk. of journalists to pe#form a tash, which, On© of his numerous secretaries en- untii this time, had proved hnpossxble. tered the room, in response to his sum- During the whole of his wonderful and xnons, and stood respectfully awaiting his stirring career as Priine Minister, Lord inxrvructions. Averingham had never once allowed him"Send Mr Paget to me immediately, self to be interviewed. please,' said Sir Arthur. It was one of his boasts Ihat reporters "Vcry good, Sir Arthur," replied th© never got at him, and in the newspaper seeretary, and disappeared gilently. world it seemed that journalists had given Sir Arthur 's word was a law unto itself Up striving for the unattainable. in this great building, which was the "If only I could do it," mused Michael, h-une of "The Daily Searchlight," one of "I shall have proved that I ara worth the rnost popular and powerful journals sornething. But how on carth am I to suc. of the day. ceed when go many other older and more It had been said that "The Searchlight" experieneed men than I have failed? How had made and broken more statesmen can i get at him? It is well known that than could be counted on your two hauds. a}i his servants have strict orders to let "The Searchlight" was really only an- nobody into his room without instructiong other jiaine for Sir Arthur Benson, foi the from him, and it is rumoured that he even was the presiding genius who pulled the has bars bars bolted across the outside strings.. - Gf his bathroom window for fear someA worker himself, he looked to his hody should break in and beard him in ma staff to work equally hard as the exampie n^orning tub." he set After a frugal supper, Paget again A severe taskmaster, but one who was j went into the streets, this time with a quick to spot budding talent amongst his f definite object in view. "young men," as he called them, and to j jfe was on his way to Downing street, handsomely reward and encourage those Spy (-^t phe land. who showed promise. pjpon reaching the door of the Prime And this it was that he came to send Minister's house, he rang the bell. for Michael Paget! q'he door was "opened by a fiunkey Paget had but recently joined the staff "j9 Lord Averingham at home?" inof "The Searchlight," having served his ^toed pagct, knowing very well that, apprentioeship on a provincial paper. eveT1 ;f he were, he would not be admitThen he came to London and managed to tecj secure a post as junior reporter on Sir "]^0) sir>" replied the servanfc. "His Arthur Benson s paper. lordship is at Warneford House, taking And Sir Arthur had been keepihg his a rest," eye on this young fellow from the pro- "Thank you!" said Paget, and revinces, intending to give him his chance traced his steps. when the oppoxtunity came. Warneford House was the Prime Minlt had come, now. ister's country seat, as Michael Paget A few moments later, a tall, broad- ^new fup well. shouldered, good-looking man, of about "Right-ho!" thought Paget. ' 'First twenty-eight years of age, stood before thing to-morrow momiug, 1 maka tracks ihe gieat newspaper man. £or Warneford, to see what's doing down It was Michael Paget. there " 1 ou wish to see me, Sir Arthur? said Paget knew, of course, that his absence ^>aSeb from the office would not rrratter, since he "Yes, replied his employer quietly. "I was on a ispecial commi-ssion for Sir have sornething for you to do. I know you Arthur, and so, early next morning, are only waiting for your chance to show Michael caught a train which carried him what stuff you are made of, and here is to Warneford. your opportunity." TT ..... . , , 1 * makmg mquxrxes oi a porter, he I hau k you verv much, said the young learned that Warneford- House vvas about mari gratefully, It was very kind of you qw0 mii6s from the station, but, as it to think ofJ m,e at all. What is it you wish j wag stm early, he decided to walk, me to do, Sir Arthur . "I might get a brain wave whilst trampSir Arthur's eyes twinkled humorously. ing," he muttered to himself. But when "Well," said Sir Arthur, looking straight he reaehed the wall which surrounded the into Paget's eyes, " I want you-to see grounds of Warneford Hous-y Paget had Lord Averingham, and obtain an inter- to admit to himself that he was no nearer Tiew with him, before next Tuesday, when evolving a plan by which he couli reach I believe, he -is to mahe a great speech the Prime Minister than when he had in the House on the Budget." left London. The young joumalist's face fell. As he strolled along hy the wall, he "The Prime Minister !" he gasped. "But came to a gate leading into the grounds Sir Arthur, you know that that ig practic. which was open. ally an impossibility ! He will never even Paget could hardly believe his eyes. It aee a jouraalist, and as for giving him an seemed too lucky to be true. interview " Without a moment's hesitation, and as "Very well," interrnpted Sir Arthur, tho"gh impelled by sorne hidden force, "there's your opportunity. If you prefer agei passed through the gau?. to gi\e it up now, without a trial, I can A gardener working just inside looked hand the job over to somel*odv else. " UP surpnse. But young Paget was made of sterner "May °ne !ook. ^und lhe §ro«»ds?" stuff, and Sir Arthur kixew it. He was PaSeL 1,lflmred only putting the young man on his metal ! The Sardner hesitated b£forc ^P5ymS"No, Sir Arthur," said Paget, in a We11' sir'" he at last' "the PubIic quiet, determined tone, "I will do mv level are a11owed m here m°st times> hut> *°U best ; in fact, I will guarantee to g'et this see' hls lordshlP 13 m residenM at the interview. Is there any particular point rnoment' and he never wishes to be upon which I am to question Lord Aver- dlsturbed when he's here- sir;" ingham?". "What a pity !" gaid Michael pleasantly. "Yes, Paget," said Sir Arthur, similing am on3Y here for a short' time> at the young man's self-assurance and 3 Ve 3iear'3 suc31 a 3o^ about the roses that coofidence, "I want to know what is to 1 shoi,11 V€IT much like t(> them ; in be taxed in this eoming Budget, and, niost fapt, • I got up ear.y this morning and especially, if there is to be a turther vvalked over purposely. tax levied upon tobacco." The gard 'rer cy003 Paget up and down. "Very good, sir; you may rely upon "Well, sir," he said, still hesitatingly, me doing my utmost to obtain the in- "his lordship is not back from his morning informatiqn you require!" answered Paget bat-he yet, so if you would like to have a formation. quick look round, sir, you can, but b?s "Thanks ! That's all!" replied Sir lordship will be back in about ten minArthur, "And good lu-ck, Paget!" utes, and he uses this gate, so please be "Thank you, sir!" quick!" And Paget left his chiefs sanctum. "Why, where does Lord Averingham ■ bathe?' asked Paget, as he strolled along THE "LAY-OUT." b7 tlie gardener's side. "I did not know that he was swimmer." Michael Paget strolled to his Jiggings "Ifs like this," commenced the gardener, that evening in a thoughtful, although becoming quite confidential, "his lordship somewhat elated, mood. swims jollv well— it's one of his hobbies— He could not but feel flattered that that and whenever he's down here, he makes very a3tute business man, Sir Arthur B,cn- 3 a point of walking to the river every

J moi'ning, imdressing on the bank, aud then _ f comes back to brealcfast." i "Alone?" queried Paget, in surprise. - "Yes, sir," replied- the gardener. "He : seems fond of his own company down : here. He gpes ont about eight o'clock, I and getg back about balf-past. He was : a bit late this morning, but he stopped : and told me to have the gate unlocked : specially early to-morrow morning, be- ; cause he wants to have his swim and be ba-ck at the house again by nine, as he has an important confei'ence with some members of the Cabinet, who are coming down here specially." Michael Paget nodded ; his brain was working quickly. It must be admitted that he paid little attentioix to the roses, although the gardner went to great lengths to point oat the best specimens. Howevex*, the man was quite pleased when Michael slipped sornething into his hand as he passed out through tho gates of Waimeford House once more. j "Thank you very much," remarked Michael. "I arti much obliged ; it's aii been very interesting." But it was the uiformation about the Prime Minister's early morning swim to which he was referring — not the roses. - THE ACHIEVEMENT, It was the following morning, and Lord Averingham had already Laken his header. "It's fine in the water this morning," murmured the Prime Minister to himself, as ha swam slowly towards the bank of the river and climbed out. After a hasty glanee up and down the bank, he stood quite still, with a puzzled expression ujxon his well-known features. Everyone knew the Prime Minister by sight. He was quite a character r\He might easily have been the original of the wfellknown figure of John Bull, with hissquare set features and "mutton-chop" wfiiskers. More than one caricaturist had shown him as representxng Britain in his cartoons, dressing him in the character of John Bull. At the moment, howeyer, Lord Averingham was looking for his clothes, which he had dumped on ihe river bank before don. ning his swimming costume and diving in. "Well, I'm hanged !" be ejaculated "I'm certain I put them there ! Who the dickens could have moved them?" Just then a little brceze disturbed the atmospher.e, and Lord Averingham slirvered slightly. At that moment a young man stepped from behind a bush, whistling pleasantly. "Good-morning, my lord!" he said, cheerfully. "Qh, good-morning!" returned Lord Averingham, in a rather impa-tient tone. "I've lost my clothes. I left them here whilst I swam. Somebody has had the impertinence to sfeal them. I suppose you haven't seen anything of any tramp who might have stolen them?" "Not stolen them, my lord," replied Michael Paget, for it was he. "Just borrowed them for a short time, shall we say ? As a matter of fact, it was I who removed your clothes. I am the tramp !" he added, with a light laugh. "What on earth do you mean, sir?" cried the Prime Minister, in astonishment. "If you have my clothes, bring them to me immediately. I fail to see anything funny in the affair. Bring them here at once, so that I can get back to my house, where I have an important conference to a-ttend, with half the members of my Cabinet awaiting me. Give me back my clothes, you young seoundrel ! ' ' "I will certainly return your clothes." replied Michael gravely, "but, of course, at a price. That is why I took them." "Oh,' all right !" i-etorted his loxdship. "I see that you are just an ordinary thief. If ifs money you want, then l'll give you ten pounds. Now be quick, and return my clothes!" But Michael shook his head slowly. "Not enough for me," he said. "Then twenty pounds — thirty — forty," went on Lord Averingham angrily. But the young journalist continued to shake his head. "Well, hurry xip, young man!*' cried the Prime Minister. "How much do you want? Name your own figure, but I ma.y tell you that if it weren't that I have this important confei'ence to attend, I'd sit here, cold or not, until somebody came along, and then I'd give you in charge of the police as a common thief. This is absolutely monstrcus ! Be quick, and name your px-ice ! ' ' "I don't want any money, my lord," replied Michael, with an enigmatical smile. "Now, don't begin to wasTe more time by talking rubbish!" cried the irate fitatesman. "For what other reason could you be withholding my clothes from me, if not more mere, vulgar mouetary gain?" For an interview. Lord Averingham," returned Paget gravely. "I am a journalist, and have determined to reach you

somehow, and this is the best opportunity that bas presented itself." And as he spoke, Michael drew a pencil and notebook from his pocket. For a moment Lord Averingham was nonplussed. " I never grant interviews," he conmenced, in a dignified tone. "I have never allowed a newspaper man to interview me "Until now," broke in Michael, with his pencil poised. "But I feel sure that the time has now come when you will have to give way. Allow me make a bargain with you." "I will do no such thing!" stormed his lordship. "I refuse to bargain with " "Very well, then," remarked Michael, making as if to close his notebook. "Then I will be off with your clothes." "JNo, wait!" cried the Prime Ministev." "Well, listen to my suggestion," saicf Paget. "I have several questions to ask you, and, as you give me an answer to each one, I will, in excbange, hand you back an article of clothing, so that you need not go on giving me information unless I keep to my part of the bargain. By the way, I have your clothes safely behind that bush, No, don't try to get them yourself, unless you prefer to miss your conference "

And here Michael again paused signifiicantly. "Confoand you!" cried the statesman. "Get on with your question!" "Exeuse me whilst I get your clothes," smiled the jonmalist. He disappeared behind the bush, to appear in lesg than a minute carryTng Lord Averingham's clothes in a bundle. "Have a cigarette, my lord," he said. "You will probably be able to give me more concise replies if you smoke. Try one of your own brand of cigarettes. I can recommend them." As he spoke, Michael drew a cigarette from the Prime Minister's own pocket, and offered it to him. Try as he would, the statesman could not resist a smile at this young man's brazen effrontety, as he accepted a cigarette and a maich. "I'm beginning to think that you alrnost deserve this interview for your infernal cheek," he gasped. "Now be quick about the rest of your audacious business." "Thank you, my lord," said Paget, now very respectfully. "In the first place, I. understand that next Tuesday you are to make a very important speech bearing upon a new Budget, Am I correct?" "Confound you, yes," replied Lord Averingham. "That is, if you only let me get back in time to arrange the final details with the members of my Cabinet now awaiting me." "Thank you," said Michael, as he grave. ly handed over to his lordship a shirt. "Hex-e's number one garment, in excbange for that bit of information," Lord Averingham practically snatched it, so .cager was he to get partially ., clothed. "!M," murmured Michael; "and now, my paper is very anxious to know if a further tax is to be levied upon tobacco." "Well, let it be ! I'm hanged if I'm going to tell," started the Prime Minister hotly. "You d look rather strange walking back to Warneford House clad only ;n a shirt," Paget reminded the Prime Minister. "Come, now, you'd better tell me'. Is there geing to be a further tax upon tobacco?" rcpeated Michael firmly. Lord Averingham subsided, witV n gasp of futile anger. "Oh, yes," he said shortly, and gr.ibbed from Paget*s outstretched hand, wrtlxout a word of thanks, his hat, which he cranxmed down on his head. "How much on tobacco?" was Pa;-ct s next question, If ever you have seen an elderly man, with side whiskers, clad in only hig shirt and hat, you will realise just wh-it a ridiculoups picture the Prime Minister oi England presented at that moment. For a xnoment Lord Averingham ?!a rci at the journalist haughtily hardly beltoving his ears. "Are you mad?" he roared. "De vou think I -would tell yoxx that?" Michael Paget smiled dangeronslv. and, fe.eling in his pocket, he produced a small foldirg camera. My paper, he remarked, in a casual tone, "publ'.shes photographs on the back page. Now, a picture of the Prime Minister clad in only his hat and shirt would, I ara sure, strike a new note." And, as the enterprising young journalist spoke, he raised the camera, ar.d, pointing it in Lord Averingham's direction, shielded the view-finler. "Stop ! ' l-oared the Prime Minister. i "I U tell you ! It's to be twopenoe per ounce !" In pavment for this his lordship rcceived his socks and one boot. "What else ig heing taxed, 'my loid?" asked the journalist.

1 11 not tell you!" stormed the statesman. "You've had enough infoimxtion out of me for the best interview you need ever^expect to get, so be off!" "Certainly, if you wish it," smiled Paget; "but I'il be off with your trousers." "Yon're a perfect fiend!" easped Loxd Averingham, giving way. "We nre going t-o tax silk, b,eer, whisky, matohes, and some things which TTave Jiot yet been decided upon. W itli a leap, he snatehed the trousers, which Paget held out to hina, and turued to go. "IT1 giYe you your other Ooot it ycn'h answer oue more question,'' oalled out Miehael. For a moment the young journaiist thought he would receive no reply. "Well, what is it?" asked the Prrae Minister, with a smile liovering about his lips. "I must admit that you've had ino best of- me, but I can take a joke agavnst myself." "What are your hobhies?" asked Mich. ael. "Sun batlis on the bank of ais xivcr," laughed Lord Averingham, as !>e caught the other boot. "Good niorning!" And before Miehael could stammer his thankg the Prime Minister had gone. THE REWARD. "And, sir," concluded Miehael, as he relahed the story of his iixter aev to Sir Arthur Benson, "I consider that Lord Averingham is oue of the' greatest sports that ever lived, for he t.ook, what i consider to he rather a rotten grantlea! joke in quite good part." "Good for you, my boy! s-ud l.:ir Artliur. "You've done well — in ia-', h;t. ter even than I expected. I knew you had it in you all right, but I had to put you to th.e test. Yoxve ccme through it with flying colo.xrs, and" — the great newspaper magnate paused, and then contixiued, laying great stress i.pon his words — "and Harper, the chief rews editor, is retiring at the cnd ( f ihis month. You are to take his place!" "Me sir!" gasped Miehael, in amaz-e-ment. "Yes, and the salary's a thousand a year ! Congratulations, Paget ! I ceusider you a great find!" But Michael's heart w-'ij tco fi 11 of mingled surprise and deiight rto 'do more than mumhle a few martmnite words of thanks, as he stumbledoat of t !te rcom. That evening saw Michtel Paget and a little lady artist friend of his seatcd together in a corner of a little resturant tixcked away in a side (ourt off Fleet street. Miehael was telling her of his w m-derful luck. "And so, Doris," he sail, ss le to^k her left hand and toyed with Ihe little diamond x'ing on her third hnger, ' ' we shall soon be able to ehan^e this for a plain, gold band." The girl nodded joyoxxiy. "Your scoop's going to enable jou to scoop me up — eh, Mike?" sl e 23id. The End.