"007 (B006) - The Lost Oasis (1933-09) - Lester Dent" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

The other glared. "D'you believe anything I tell you?"



"No," grinned the cub. "They told me at the office that you were the biggest liar on the paper."



The veteran gnashed his teeth, but his mock rage gave way to laughter.





THE SEARCHLIGHT of a tub swept the bay at this moment, and both reporters staring at it, forgot their conversation.



A short distance from shore, a small steamer was visible. The vessel was primarily a freight carrier, but her superstructure held passenger accommodations. She was neatly painted. As the searchlight swept the craft, the lettering on the bows was momentarily readable:




YANKEE BEAUTY



"That's the tub!" ejaculated the older reporter. "We've got to get aboard and interview the mysterious party who signed himself 'Imperiled!' and offered the reward. Imagine what a story must be behind that! I'd give a lot to scoop these other birds on the yarn!"



"Why isn't the steamer tying up at the pier?" asked the cub.



"The company which owns her is small and has only one pier, which is occupied by another boat of the same line until midnight; then the boat sails. The Yankee Beauty will come alongside the dock when the midnight boat leaves and makes room."



The veteran reporter cast a wily glance at other gentlemen of the press and their photographers, who were near by. Then he nudged the cub. "Let's go!"



The cub exclaimed, "But what - "



"Sh-h-h-h!" The journalist dean guided his satellite away from the other scribes, taking care that their exodus attracted no attention. When well out of earshot, he made explanations.