“Joe Wells sent me,” Flash said significantly.
Immediately the sound technician’s manner changed.
“Why didn’t you say so?” he asked, motioning for Flash to come into the bedroom. “How is Joe? Haven’t heard a word from him since the wreck. You weren’t on the same train?”
“Yes, I was. Joe’s leg is broken and he’s badly battered.”
“No chance then of his getting here today?”
“This leaves me in a nice situation,” Doyle complained. “I can’t handle the job alone. I might know Wells would pull something like that!”
“I don’t think he broke his leg on purpose,” Flash returned dryly.
“Maybe not,” Doyle admitted, “but this was our big opportunity to make a showing. Now I might as well pack up and start back East!”
“Joe sent me to take his place. I don’t know how much good I’ll be, but here I am anyhow.”
Doyle had been nervously pacing the floor. He paused and stared at Flash.
“Joe sent you?” he repeated. “Do you know anything about newsreel work?”
“Not very much,” Flash admitted truthfully. “I’m a photographer for the _Brandale Ledger_. I can do what you tell me.”
“A lot of help you’ll be,” Doyle growled. “I need a good, experienced man.”
Flash began to lose patience. It seemed to him that Doyle had no interest in Joe Wells’ misfortune save as it affected him. His only thought was for himself and his work.
“If you don’t care to use me, that’s quite all right,” he said. “I have some pictures of my own to take.”
As he turned abruptly toward the door, Doyle stopped him.
“Wait a minute! Don’t be so touchy! I didn’t say I couldn’t use you, did I? If I decide to tackle the job I’ll need a helper. You may do.”
He had taken an intense dislike to Doyle. The man was conceited and disagreeable. But for Joe’s sake he would see the thing through.
“Had your breakfast yet?” Doyle asked in a more friendly tone.
“No, but I’m not very hungry. Still feeling the effects of last night, I guess.”
Doyle asked no questions about Flash’s experiences in the train wreck. It did not occur to him that the young photographer had undergone extreme physical discomfort in order to reach Indianapolis.
“Well, get shaved,” he said gruffly. “I’ll need to explain to you about the equipment. We haven’t much time.”
Flash borrowed a razor, and did not keep Doyle waiting long. They left the hotel, going directly to the garage where the green sound truck had been left. There the sound technician demonstrated the _News-Vue_ equipment, and seemed slightly reassured to discover that Flash knew a good deal about newsreel cameras.