ed inside it, so that
there is no waste space, a cast is made of the entire form and its
contents. This cast is then fitted upon the rollers of the press, inked,
and successive impressions made from it. This, in simple language, is
what we are going to see and constitutes the printing of a paper."

Paul nodded.

"Of course," continued Mr. Hawley, "we shall see much more than that. We
shall, for example, see how cuts and advertisements are made;
photographs copied and the plates prepared for transfer to the paper;
color sheets in process of making; in fact, all the varied departments
of staff work. But what I have told you are the underlying principles of
the project. I want you to understand them at the outset so that you
will not become confused."

"I think I have it pretty straight," smiled Paul.

"Very well, then; we'll get to work."

"Not that I thoroughly understand how all this is done," added the boy
quickly. "But I have the main idea and when I see the thing in operation
I shall comprehend it more clearly, I am sure. You see, I don't really
know much of anything about printing a paper. All I am actually sure of
is that often the making up of a page is a big puzzle. I've had enough
experience to find that out."

"That is sometimes a puzzle for us, too," smiled Mr. Hawley. "Fitting
stuff into the available space is not always easy. Usually, however, we
know just how many words can be allowed a given article and can make up
our forms by estimating the mathematical measurement such copy will
require. When the type is set in the forms, so accurately cut are the
edges, and so closely do the lines fit together, the whole thing can be
picked up and held upside down and not a piece of its mosaic fall out.
That is no small stunt to accomplish. It means that every edge and
corner of the metal type is absolutely true and exact. If it were not,
the form would not lock up, or fit together. The letters, too, are all
on the same level and the lines parallel. Geometrically, it is a perfect
surface."

"Some picture puzzle!" Mr. Wright observed merrily.

"One better than a jigsaw puzzle," said Mr. Hawley. "Our pieces are
smaller."

The three visitors stepped from the elevator and paused at the door of a
crowded room, where many men were at work.

"These are the composing rooms," explained Mr. Hawley. "Here the copy
sent us by reporters and editors is set up for the press. Along the
walls you will see tiers of drawers