`` He went home as soon as the afternoon edition came out . He left before the telegram came . He 'll be furious when he finds out that nobody has gone to interview that foxy old politician , '' said Larry , who knew all about Clifford 's assignment and its importance . `` Is n't there anyone else here to go ? '' queried Patty desperately . Larry shook his head . `` No , there is n't a soul in . We 're mighty short-handed just now on account of the explosion and the strike . '' Patty went downstairs and stood for a moment in the hall , rapt in reflection . If she had been at home , she verily believed she would have sat down and cried . Oh , it was too bad , too disappointing ! Clifford would certainly lose all chance of the permanency , even if the irate news editor did not discharge him at once . What could she do ? Could she do anything ? She must do something . `` If I only could go in his place , '' moaned Patty softly to herself . Then she started . Why not ? Why not go and interview the big man herself ? To be sure , she did not know a great deal about interviewing , still less about railroad bills , and nothing at all about politics .
But if she did her best it might be better than nothing , and might XXXXX least save Clifford his present hold .
If about as at before for in of that to