Under Orders: The story of a young reporter

As the train rolled into the New York station it was greeted by the familiar cheer of the 50th Regiment. There, in full uniform, drawn up in perfect line, was Captain Ellis’ company, to whom had been accorded the honor of welcoming home the new honorary member of the regiment. His name is inscribed upon the roll as “Myles Manning, the hero of Mountain Junction.”

Myles, Bert, and Billings, breakfasted with President Saxon of the A. & B. Road. When the first-named of these guests ventured to ask this friend why he had taken such an interest in him and his affairs, the other smilingly answered:

“For Bert’s sake, and because he asked me to, in the first place; afterward, because you proved yourself worthy of it. I knew of you through Bert long before you found it necessary to leave college, but when, on the very day that you did leave it, he came to me and asked me to do something for you, I said that I must first know you personally and study your character.”

“And to think,” said Myles, turning to Bert, “that I should have so misjudged you, and considered you as only a friend in prosperity who would desert a fellow in his time of need!”

“I wish,” remarked Billings, plaintively, “that somebody would arrest me, and give me a chance to prove how truly good I am. My failing seems to be that I am beyond all hope of suspicion.”

At the Phonograph office Myles was received with hearty congratulations.

Of all his triumphs his welcome home was the greatest and best. His mother’s happy tears, Kate’s proud smiles, and his father’s “I am well satisfied with you, my son,” were more than worth the trials that had won them.

••••••••

All this happened some years ago, and since then time has worked many changes. Van Cleef, for instance, is one of the cleverest and best-informed editorial writers on the Phonograph, of which Rolfe is managing editor, and the original and only Billings is the valued Washington correspondent. Myles Manning remained on the paper until he had made an enviable reputation for himself as a space writer and stood at the head of the reporters’ list. Then he resigned to accept a fine position as a foreign writer for one of the great illustrated magazines.

His articles appear in the magazine, illustrated by charming sketches signed “K. M.”; for his sister Kate travels with him wherever he goes. Every now and then they find time to visit their parents in London, where Mr. Manning, entirely recovered from his blindness, is the trusted financial agent of the A. & B. Railroad Company of New York.

With all his prosperity, and with all the freedom of action that his magazine allows him, Myles never for a moment forgets that he is still “under orders.” He has won a reputation for prompt obedience to them, and his superior officers consider that they cannot praise him more highly than by saying:

“Myles Manning never fails us. He can always be depended upon to carry out our instructions to the very letter.”

THE END

1

73 – The telegrapher’s greeting. Equivalent to “best regards.”