She heard the conversation.

I have not asked her to repeat it, but sent for you at once, and she says she is willing to answer any questions you may ask." "In that case, Mr.Hardwick, wouldn't it be well to have Henry Alder here ?" "Certainly, if he is on the premises." Then, turning to his secretary, he said, "Would you find out if Mr.Alder is in his room?
Tell him Mr.
Hempstead wishes to see him here." When Henry Alder came in, and the secretary had disappeared, Miss Baxter saw at once that she was in an unenviable situation, for it was quite evident the three men were scarcely on speaking terms with each other.
Nothing causes such a state of tension in a newspaper office as the missing of a piece of news that is important.
"Perhaps it would be better," suggested Hardwick, "if Miss Baxter would repeat the conversation as she heard it." "I don't see the use of that," said Mr.Hempstead.

"There is only one point at issue.

Did Mr.Alder warn Mr.Hardwick that by delay he would lose the publication of this report ?" "Hardly that," answered the girl.

"As I remember it, he said, 'Isn't there a danger that some other paper may get this ?' Mr.Hardwick replied, 'I don't think so.