the missing cash-box
Manager Black appeared in the Hammerton operating room, and after a
consultation with the chief operator, called Jack Orr from his wire.

"Jack," said the manager, "there have been some important developments in
the big will case on trial out at Oakton, and the 'Daily Star' has asked
for a fast operator to send in their story to-night. The chief tells me
you have developed into a rapid sender. Would you care to go?"

"I'd be glad of the opportunity, sir," said Jack, delightedly.

"All right. The chief will let you off now, so you will have plenty of
time to catch the seven o'clock train. And now, Jack, do your best, for
the 'Morning Bulletin' is sending its news matter in by the other
telegraph company, and we don't want them to get ahead of us in any way."

When Jack reached the station, several of the newspaper men, including
West of the "Star," already were there. Among them he saw Raub, a
reporter of the "Bulletin," and with him Simpson, an operator of the
opposition telegraph company.

"Why, hello, kid!" said the latter on seeing Jack. "They are not sending
you out to Oakton, are they?"

"They are," responded Jack, with pride. Simpson laughed, and, somewhat
indignant, Jack passed on down the platform. On turning back, he noticed
Simpson and Raub apart, talking earnestly. As he again neared them, both
glanced toward him, and abruptly the conversation ceased. At once Jack's
suspicions were aroused, for he knew Raub had the name of being very
unscrupulous in news-getting matters, and that Simpson was not much
better. He determined to watch them.

But nothing further attracted his attention, and finally, the train
arriving, they boarded it, and made a quick run of the ten miles to the
little village. There Jack headed for the local telegraph office.

He found it a tiny affair, in a small coal office on the southern
outskirts of the village. Introducing himself to the elderly lady
operator, who was just leaving, he went to the key and announced his
arrival to the chief at Hammerton.

It was an hour later when West, the "Star" reporter, appeared. "Here you
are, youngster," said he; "a thousand words for a starter. It's going to
be a great story. I'll be back in half an hour with another batch."

Promptly Jack called "H," and soon was clicking away in full swing. But
suddenly the instruments ceased to respond. The wire had "opened." Jack
tested with his earth connection, and finding the open