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Test Bank for Systems Analysis and Design, 9th Edition: Shelly download pdf full chapter
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Test Bank for Systems Analysis and Design, 9th Edition: Shelly
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MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In launching a new information system, the greatest risk occurs when a company ____.
a. begins by outlining its business models and identifying possible IT solutions
b. tries to decide how the system will be implemented before determining what the system is
supposed to do
c. considers implementation options after having a clear set of objectives
d. all of the above
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 7
2. ____ software controls the flow of data, provides data security, and manages network operations.
a. Enterprise c. Application
b. System d. Legacy
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 8
3. Examples of company-wide applications, called ____, include order processing systems, payroll
systems, and company communications networks.
a. enterprise applications c. operating applications
b. network operating systems (NOS) d. legacy systems
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 8
4. Over 40 years ago, a concept called Moore's Law accurately predicted that computer processing power
would double about every ____.
a. 2 months c. 24 months
b. 12 months d. 48 months
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 8
5. When planning an information system, a company must consider how a new system will interface with
older systems, which are called ____.
a. enterprise applications c. operating applications
b. network operating systems (NOS) d. legacy systems
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 9
6. For complex operations, analysts apply computer-based modeling tools that use a standard language
called ____.
a. electronic data interchange (EDI)
b. joint application development (JAD)
c. business process modeling notation (BPMN)
d. rapid application development (RAD)
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 10
7. Systems analysts use a process called ____ to represent company operations and information needs.
a. JAD c. RAD
b. Scrum d. business process modeling
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 10
8. A business ____ is an overview that describes a company’s overall functions, processes, organization,
products, services, customers, suppliers, competitors, constraints, and future direction.
a. matrix c. index
b. profile d. glossary
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 10
10. ____ enabled computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies, usually over private
telecommunications networks.
a. EDI c. TCH
b. ACH d. O-O
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 14
13. Knowledge management systems are called expert systems because they ____.
a. provide job-related information to users at all levels of a company
b. simulate human reasoning by combining a knowledge base and inference rules that
determine how the knowledge is applied
c. process data generated by day-to-day business operations
d. include e-mail, voice mail, fax, video conferencing, word processing, automated
calendars, database management, spreadsheets, and high-speed Internet access
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 16
14. User productivity systems ____.
a. provide job-related information to users at all levels of a company
b. simulate human reasoning by combining a knowledge base and inference rules that
determine how the knowledge is applied
c. process data generated by day-to-day business operations
d. include e-mail, voice mail, fax, video and Web conferencing, word processing, automated
calendars, database management, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, presentation graphics,
company intranets, and high-speed Internet access
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 17
17. A ____, or requirements model, describes the information that a system must provide.
a. process model c. business model
b. data model d. network model
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 19
18. A(n) ____ describes the logic that programmers use to write code modules.
a. process model c. business model
b. object model d. network model
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 19
19. ____ is a systems development technique that produces a graphical representation of a concept or
process that systems developers can analyze, test, and modify.
a. Prototyping c. Scrum
b. Rapid application development d. Modeling
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 19
20. ____ is a systems development technique that tests system concepts and provides an opportunity to
examine input, output, and user interfaces before final decisions are made.
a. Scrum c. Modeling
b. Prototyping d. Rapid application development
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 20
22. The ____ method of developing systems is well-suited to project management tools and techniques.
a. object-oriented analysis c. structured analysis
b. adaptive d. rapid application development
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 21
23. The ____ method of developing systems produces code that is modular and reusable.
a. object-oriented analysis c. structured analysis
b. adaptive d. rapid application development
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 21
24. The ____ method of developing systems stresses team interaction and reflects a set of community-
based values.
a. object-oriented analysis c. structured analysis
b. agile/adaptive d. rapid application development
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 21
25. Structured analysis is a traditional systems development technique that uses a series of phases, called
the ____, to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.
a. O-O c. MSF
b. SDLC d. RUP
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 22
26. Because it focuses on processes that transform data into useful information, structured analysis is
called a(n) ____ technique.
a. iterative c. inferred
b. process-centered d. empowered
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 22
27. In the ____, like that shown in the accompanying figure, the result of each phase, which is called a
deliverable or end product, flows sequentially into the next phase in the SDLC.
a. interactive model c. waterfall model
b. requirements model d. object model
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 22
28. In the model of the SDLC shown in the accompanying figure, the ____ usually begins with a formal
request to the IT department, called a systems request, which describes problems or desired changes in
an information system or a business process.
a. systems design phase c. systems support and security phase
b. systems planning phase d. systems analysis phase
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 23
29. In the model of the SDLC shown in the accompanying figure, the purpose of the ____ is to build a
logical model of the new system.
a. systems analysis phase c. systems design phase
b. systems implementation phase d. systems support and security phase
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 23
30. In the model of the SDLC shown in the accompanying figure, the purpose of the ____ is to create a
physical model that will satisfy all documented requirements for the system.
a. systems implementation phase c. systems analysis phase
b. systems planning phase d. systems design phase
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 24
31. In the model of the SDLC shown in the accompanying figure, during ____, the new system is
constructed.
a. systems planning c. systems design
b. systems support and security d. systems implementation
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 24
32. In the model of the SDLC shown in the accompanying figure, during ____, the IT staff maintains,
enhances, and protects the system.
a. systems support and security c. systems analysis
b. systems implementation d. systems planning
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 24
33. Whereas structured analysis treats processes and data as separate components, ____ combines data and
the processes that act on the data into things called objects.
a. the MSF c. RUP
b. the SDLC d. O-O
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 24
34. In object-oriented programming, an object is a member of a(n) ____, which is a collection of similar
objects.
a. property c. message
b. class d. instance
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 24
35. In object-oriented design, built-in processes called ____ can change an object’s properties.
a. methods c. attributes
b. functions d. features
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 25
36. Agile methods typically use a(n) ____model, which represents a series of iterations based on user
feedback.
a. gradual c. spiral
b. extreme d. evaluative
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 26
37. When building an information system, all of the following basic guidelines should be considered
except ____.
a. stick to an overall development plan
b. identify major milestones for project review and assessment
c. provide accurate and reliable cost and benefit information
d. ensure that users are not involved in the development process
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 27
38. The ____ group typically provides leadership and overall guidance, but the systems themselves are
developed by teams consisting of users, managers, and IT staff members.
a. Web support c. systems support
b. application development d. database administration
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 28
39. ____ provides vital protection and maintenance services for system software and hardware, including
enterprise computing systems, networks, transaction processing systems, and corporate IT
infrastructure.
a. User support c. Systems support and security
b. Database administration d. Network administration
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 29
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. System software consists of programs that support day-to-day business functions and provide users
with the information they require. _________________________
ANS: F, Application
PTS: 1 REF: 8
2. Value-added services such as consulting, financing, and technical support can be more profitable than
hardware. _________________________
3. Rational Unified Process documents the experience of Microsoft’s own software development teams.
_________________________
ANS: F
Microsoft Solutions Framework
MSF
PTS: 1 REF: 27
ANS: F
Joint application development
Joint application development (JAD)
JAD
JAD (joint application development)
PTS: 1 REF: 27
5. User support provides users with technical information, training, and productivity support.
_________________________
TRUE/FALSE
1. Most firms give their IT budgets a low priority in bad economic times.
3. In an information system, data is information that has been transformed into output that is valuable to
users.
4. In an information system, information consists of basic facts that are the system’s raw material.
6. Although the business-to-business (B2B) sector is more familiar to retail customers, the volume of
business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions is many times greater.
7. TP systems are inefficient because they process a set of transaction-related commands individually
rather than as a group.
8. In a knowledge management system, a knowledge base consists of logical rules that identify data
patterns and relationships.
9. A knowledge management system uses inference rules, which consist of a large database that allows
users to find information by entering keywords or questions in normal English phrases.
10. Most large companies require systems that combine transaction processing, business support,
knowledge management, and user productivity features.
11. Because they focus on a longer time frame, middle managers need less detailed information than top
managers, but somewhat more than supervisors who oversee day-to-day operations.
12. Many companies find that a trend called empowerment, which gives employees more responsibility
and accountability, improves employee motivation and increases customer satisfaction.
13. CASE tools provide an overall framework for systems development and support a wide variety of
design methodologies, including structured analysis and object-oriented analysis.
14. It is unusual for system developers to mix and match system development methods to gain a better
perspective.
15. In the systems planning phase, a key part of the preliminary investigation is a feasibility study that
reviews anticipated costs and benefits and recommends a course of action based on operational,
technical, economic, and time factors.
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 23
16. In the systems analysis phase, the first step is requirements modeling, where business processes are
investigated and what the new system must do to satisfy users is documented.
17. In object-oriented design, objects possess characteristics called properties, which the object inherits
from its class or possesses on its own.
18. A scalable design can expand to meet new business requirements and volumes.
19. In object-oriented design, a message requests specific behavior or information from another object.
20. Microsoft offers a development approach called Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF), which
documents the experience of its own software development teams.
21. An IT group provides technical support, which includes application development, systems support and
security, user support, database administration, network administration, and Web support.
22. Network administration includes hardware and software maintenance, support, and security.
23. Companies typically require that systems analysts have a college degree in information systems,
computer science, business, or a closely related field, and some IT experience usually is required.
24. The responsibilities of a systems analyst at a small firm are exactly the same as those at a large
corporation.
25. A corporate culture is the set of beliefs, rules, traditions, values, and attitudes that define a company
and influence its way of doing business.
COMPLETION
PTS: 1 REF: 4
PTS: 1 REF: 7
PTS: 1 REF: 7
PTS: 1 REF: 7
5. A(n) _________________________ is a set of related components that produces specific results, such
as routing Internet traffic, manufacturing microchips, and controlling complex entities like the Mars
Rover.
ANS: system
PTS: 1 REF: 7
ANS: hardware
PTS: 1 REF: 8
7. In the accompanying figure showing the components of an information system,
_________________________ refer(s) to the programs that control the hardware and produce the
desired information or results.
ANS: software
PTS: 1 REF: 8
ANS: data
PTS: 1 REF: 9
ANS: processes
PTS: 1 REF: 9
10. In the accompanying figure showing the components of an information system, the people, called
_________________________, interact with an information system, both inside and outside the
company.
ANS:
users
end users
PTS: 1 REF: 10
11. The newest category of company is the _________________________ whose primary business
depends on the Internet rather than a traditional business channel.
ANS:
Internet-dependent firm
dot-com company
.com company
PTS: 1 REF: 12
12. Traditional companies sometimes are called _________________________ companies because they
conduct business primarily from physical locations.
ANS: brick-and-mortar
PTS: 1 REF: 12
13. Internet-based commerce is called _________________________ and includes two main sectors: B2C
(business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business).
ANS:
e-commerce
electronic commerce
I-commerce
Internet commerce
PTS: 1 REF: 13
14. _________________________ technology uses high-frequency radio waves to track physical object.
ANS:
RFID
Radio frequency identification
RFID (Radio frequency identification)
Radio frequency identification (RFID)
PTS: 1 REF: 16
15. A truck fleet dispatcher might run a series of _________________________ scenarios to determine
the impact of increased shipments or bad weather.
ANS: what-if
PTS: 1 REF: 16
16. _________________________ programs run on a company intranet and enable users to share data,
collaborate on projects, and work in teams.
ANS: Groupware
PTS: 1 REF: 17
17. The systems implementation phase of the SDLC includes an assessment, called a(n)
_________________________, to determine whether the system operates properly and if costs and
benefits are within expectation.
PTS: 1 REF: 24
18. A(n) _________________________ uses various symbols and shapes to represent data flow,
processing, and storage.
ANS:
data flow diagram
DFD
data flow diagram (DFD)
DFD (data flow diagram)
PTS: 1 REF: 22
19. _________________________ design and construct Web pages, monitor traffic, manage hardware and
software, and link Web-based applications to a company’s information systems.
ANS: Web support specialists
PTS: 1 REF: 29
20. Many hardware and software companies offer _________________________ for IT professionals,
which verifies that an individual demonstrated a certain level of knowledge and skill on a standardized
test.
ANS: certification
PTS: 1 REF: 32
MATCHING
Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.
a. MIS f. team leaders
b. network model g. operational employees
c. object model h. supply chain management
d. fuzzy logic i. data model
e. ERP j. prototype
1. In many large companies, these kinds of systems provide cost-effective support for users and managers
throughout the company.
2. The name for new business support systems that produced valuable information, in addition to
performing manual tasks; their primary users were managers.
3. A B2B site that allows buyers, sellers, distributors, and manufacturer to offer products, submit
specifications, and transact business.
4. Many knowledge management systems use this technique, which allows inferences to be drawn from
imprecise relationships.
5. People who oversee operational employees and carry out day-to-day functions.
6. People who rely on TP systems to enter and receive data they need to perform their jobs.
7. Describes the design and protocols of telecommunications links.
8. Describes objects, which combine data and processes.
9. Describes data structures and design.
10. An early working version of an information system.
ESSAY
1. Explain what a knowledge worker is, and why this kind of worker is required by successful
companies.
ANS:
Knowledge workers include professional staff members such as systems analysts, programmers,
accountants, researchers, trainers, and human resource specialists. Knowledge workers also use
business support systems, knowledge management systems, and user productivity systems. Knowledge
workers provide support for the organization's basic functions. Just as a military unit requires logistical
support, a successful company needs knowledge workers to carry out its mission.
2. What are the disadvantages of each of the three system development methods?
ANS:
With structured analysis, changes can be costly, especially in later phases. Requirements are defined
early, and can change during development. Users might not be able to describe their needs until they
can see examples of features and functions. With object-oriented analysis, this somewhat newer
method of development might be less familiar to development team members. Also, the interaction of
objects and classes can be complex in larger systems. With agile/adaptive methods, team members
need a high level of technical and communications skills. Lack of structure and documentation can
introduce risk factors. Finally, the overall project might be subject to scope change as user
requirements change.
ANS:
Develop a Plan
Prepare an overall project plan and stick to it. Complete the tasks in a logical sequence. Develop a
clear set of ground rules and be sure that everyone on the team understands them clearly.
Remain Flexible
Be flexible within the framework of your plan. Systems development is a dynamic process, and
overlap often exists among tasks. The ability to react quickly is especially important when you are
working on a system that must be developed rapidly.
Roark has just joined the company and in his role as lead analyst, he will be responsible for
determining which systems development method the team uses to create the new application for a
major medical supplier.
1. After Roark has spent a week getting to know the members of the team, including their strengths and
weaknesses, and what has worked well (and not so well) for this particular team in the past, one theme
keeps recurring: the team has particularly weak communications skills. Which of the following
methods, then, is he least likely to use, given what he knows about the disadvantages of each method?
a. structured analysis
b. agile/adaptive methods
c. object-oriented analysis
d. rapid application development
ANS:
B
2. It is a new day at the firm. Roark has been in place for a few weeks, strengthening the communications
skills of his employees, getting them to work much better together. Now, the challenge that he faces is
not an internal one; it lies with the client, which is increasingly showing itself to be incapable of
sticking with decisions. Roark, based on his past experience with other clients like this, is afraid that
the client will throw them a curveball and want to make changes late in the game — but that they also
will be unwilling to absorb the costs of those changes. For this reason, Roark eliminates which of the
following methods of development?
a. structured analysis
b. agile/adaptive methods
c. object-oriented analysis
d. rapid application development
ANS:
A
Maddy has been performing at a very high level at the firm, and so when two colleagues of hers who
are currently leading other development efforts get sick or leave the company, she is asked to step in
and help manage these two other efforts.
3. When Maddy sits down at the first meeting at which the first group is gathering, she hears them
discussing the feasibility study in which they are currently engaged. She knows, then, in which phase
of the SDLC this team currently is. Which phase is it?
a. systems analysis
b. systems design
c. systems planning
d. systems implementation
ANS:
C
4. After leaving the first meeting, Maddy goes down the hall to meet with the outgoing manager of the
second team. In that meeting, he shares with her the latest draft of the systems requirement document,
which is nearly complete. In which phase is the second team currently?
a. systems analysis
b. systems design
c. systems planning
d. systems implementation
ANS:
A
DO YOU AGREE?
In an old Hindu manuscript was found this remarkable decision of a
dispute. Two travelers sat down to dinner; one had five loaves, the other had
three. A stranger passing by desired permission to eat with them, which they
agreed to. The stranger dined, put down eight pieces of money, and departed.
The proprietor of the five loaves took up five pieces and left three for the
other, who objected, and claimed half. The case was brought before the chief
magistrate, who gave the following judgment:
“Let the owner of the five loaves have seven pieces of money, and the
owner of the three loaves one.”
Now, strange as this decision may appear at first sight, it was perfectly
just; for, suppose the loaves to have been divided into three equal parts,
making twenty-four parts of all the eight loaves, and each person to have
eaten a third share, therefore, the stranger must have eaten seven parts of the
person’s bread who had the five loaves—or fifteen parts when divided—and,
of course, only one belonging to him who contributed three loaves, or nine
parts.
SNAPSHOT ARTILLERY.
By BERTRAM LEBHAR.
(This interesting story was commenced in No. 153 of Nick Carter Stories. Back numbers can
always be obtained from your news dealer or the publishers.)
CHAPTER XX.
A RASCAL’S LUCK.
It was quite by accident that young Mr. Gale, son of the proprietor of the
Chronicle, learned of the Bulletin’s contemplated exposé of police conditions
in Oldham. He happened to be passing police headquarters just as Patrolman
John Hicks, with whom he was acquainted, came out of that building. One
glance at the policeman’s scowling face was sufficient to inform Gale that
something was wrong.
“What’s the matter, John?” he inquired. “You look worried.”
“I am worried, Mr. Gale,” Patrolman Hicks replied. “Something
happened to me last night while I was on duty that has got my goat. Walk up
the street with me a little ways, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Gale, scenting a possible story for the Chronicle, eagerly accepted this
invitation.
“It was shortly before two this morning,” Officer Hicks began. “I won’t
deny that I was taking a little nap. You see, Mr. Gale, night work don’t agree
with me at all. I think it’s an outrage to ask a human being to do it.”
“Certainly,” Gale agreed heartily. “But what happened, John?”
“What happened was this, Mr. Gale: I was leaning against a lamp-post,
sort of dozing off—as I say, I’m not going to deny it—when all of a sudden
there comes a flash of light which hits me right in the eyes, and a sort of
explosion. Well, of course, I opens my eyes quick, and there, right in front of
me, is a big black automobile with three young fellers in it. Before I can ask
any questions, that automobile moves off rapidly up the street and
disappears.”
Gale was by no means a slow-witted young man. The probable origin of
that flash of light immediately suggested itself to him. There arose in his
mind also a suspicion of the identity of at least one of the three occupants of
the big black automobile.
“Didn’t one of those fellows have a camera in his hand, John?” he
inquired excitedly.
“I didn’t notice any camera at the time,” replied the policeman, with a
scowl; “but I guess they must have had one, all right. For, although I never
suspected it—otherwise you can be sure I’d have chased that automobile—I
have learned since that it was a flash-light picture of me the rascals was
after.”
“Of course it was,” said Gale, with a laugh. “How long did it take you to
get wise to that fact?”
“It was not until a few minutes ago that I found it out,” the policeman
admitted. “I thought at the time that that flash of light was caused by a fuse
blowin’ out in the car, or somethin’ of that sort. You see, I don’t know much
about automobiles. And I might have gone on thinking that if it hadn’t been
for me meetin’ Patrolman Tony Debbs at headquarters just now, and his
tellin’ me what happened to him last night.”
“And what happened to Tony Debbs?” inquired Gale, greatly interested.
“He was taking a nap in a lumber yard on his beat, and first thing he
knows he gets woke up by a flash of light in his eyes—the same kind of a
flash that I got. Tony jumps up quick, and there was a young feller standin’
there with a camera in his hand. Imagine the nerve of him!”
“Did Debbs catch him?” Gale inquired eagerly.
“No; he wasn’t quite quick enough. The scamp got away in a big black
touring car containing two other young men. From Tony’s description of the
automobile and the rascals inside, I’m pretty sure it was the same bunch that
I was up against.”
“Undoubtedly,” Gale agreed. “But do you mean to say, John, that neither
Debbs nor you recognized any of those fellows?”
“No; we didn’t. You see, they wore goggles—the kind that automobilists
wear, you know—and them things are pretty much of a disguise. Who do
you suppose those rascals was, Mr. Gale? And what do you think they
wanted our pictures for? I tell you, it’s got me worried. And Tony’s worried,
too. He’s got an idea that that rag of a Bulletin is behind it all. Do you think
he’s right?”
“I certainly do, John,” Gale replied. “There isn’t the slightest doubt in my
mind that those pictures were taken for the Bulletin, and will be prominently
displayed on the front page of that disreputable sheet to-morrow morning.
And I shouldn’t be surprised,” he added sagaciously, “to find other pictures
there, too. You can depend upon it, John, that you and Debbs weren’t the
only cops those chaps caught napping last night. The fact that they hired an
automobile indicates that they were out for a big killing.”
“The scoundrels!” growled Officer Hicks. “Surely, Mr. Gale, we can do
something to prevent them from printing our pictures in their newspaper?
Ain’t there any way of stopping them?”
A malicious glint came to Gale’s eyes. “Probably there is, John,” he said.
“We must see what we can do. Perhaps it will be possible not only to prevent
them from publishing the pictures, but to put them in jail, besides, for
violating the new anticamera law.”
As he finished speaking, his gaze lighted on a boy who was walking on
the opposite side of the street.
“Seems to me I know that kid,” said Gale. “He’s employed in the Bulletin
office. My father pointed him out to me on the street the other day as
Carroll’s office boy.”
Then his face suddenly lighted up as an idea came to him.
“Excuse me for a few minutes, John,” he said to the policeman. “I’m
going to have a talk with our young friend across the way. I’ve got a sort of
hunch that he may be able to help us.”
CHAPTER XXI.
TEMPTED.
“Pardon me, sir, but may I take the liberty of asking you if you are not a
newspaper man?” said Gale, addressing Editor Carroll’s office boy.
Master Charles Miggles, better known in the Bulletin office as “Miggsy,”
regarded the speaker with some suspicion. Miggsy was only fourteen years
old, and not in the habit of being addressed as “sir.” To be looked upon as a
newspaper man was also a brand-new experience for him. He had never
dared to consider that his job as office boy in the Bulletin office entitled him
to that classification.
Miggsy’s first thought, therefore, was that he was being joshed by the
good-looking, nattily dressed young man who thus addressed him. A brief
study of the latter’s face, however, caused him to change his mind.
Apparently this polite stranger was perfectly serious.
Whereupon Miggsy’s chest suddenly swelled with pride. Nothing could
have flattered him more than to be treated in this fashion. He was a
precocious youngster, and since the tender age of twelve his greatest regret
had been that he was not yet old enough to use a razor.
“I may be wrong, of course,” the good-looking young man went on, with
a smile, “but I don’t think so. I am a pretty good judge of men, and there is
something about your appearance that tells me that you are a newspaper
man. Am I right, sir?”
Miggsy smiled graciously. “You are a good guesser, mister; I am on the
Daily Bulletin,” he said, fervently hoping that the other would not inquire as
to the specific nature of his duties.
“I knew it!” the good-looking man exclaimed triumphantly. “I can tell a
brother scribe every time. Shake hands, old chap. I, too, am a newspaper
man. My name is Gale—formerly of the New York Daily News, now of the
Oldham Daily Chronicle.”
Miggsy’s eyes opened wide with astonishment. “Gee!” he exclaimed
excitedly, “I know who you are. You’re the son of the guy what owns the
Chronicle. I heard about you being in town.”
Gale smiled. “Yes, my father does own the Chronicle,” he said simply. “I
have come to help him run the sheet. We are going to introduce a lot of
improvements, and run the paper on the lines of a New York daily. By the
way, Mr.—er—Mr. ——” He paused inquiringly.
“Miggles,” said the boy. “Mister Charles Miggles.”
“Thank you! By the way, Mr. Miggles, one of our first changes will be to
enlarge our reportorial staff. My father has asked me to get him some good
men. How would you like to work for the Chronicle?”
Miggsy could scarcely believe that he was not dreaming. Could it really
be possible that this affable young man did not suspect that he was only a
fourteen-year-old office boy? Could it really be that he, Miggsy, was being
offered a job as a reporter on the Chronicle?
His first impulse was to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity
which fate had thrown his way. In his precocious brain there arose the daring
thought that he could make good. He had long been of the opinion that news
gathering was “dead easy,” and that he could go out and cover a story as well
as “some of them boobs in the Bulletin office what called themselves
reporters.”
Once he had plucked up his courage, and asked Mr. Carroll to give him a
chance at reporting. The proprietor of the Bulletin had laughed in a most
unfeeling manner, and told him to wait until he grew some.
Miggsy frowned now as he recalled that unpleasant incident. As though it
mattered what a fellow’s age was, so long as he could deliver the goods!
Gale laid his hand upon the boy’s shoulder with a patronizing air.
“If the proposition appeals to you at all,” he said, “suppose you come and
talk it over with my father, right now, Mr. Miggles. If you are willing to
make a change, I think we can put you to work immediately. How would you
like to cover police?”
How would he like to cover police! The job of President of the United
States didn’t appeal to Miggsy nearly as much as that. His eyes sparkled at
the thought.
Then suddenly it occurred to him that he could not possibly bluff his way
into this new job, as he had thought of doing. As soon as he entered the
Chronicle office he was sure to be unmasked; for unfortunately he was
known to several members of that newspaper’s staff. And—alas, cruel fate!
—they knew him, not as Mr. Charles Miggles, a brother scribe, but as plain
Miggsy, the Bulletin’s office boy.
“Come, what do you say, Mr. Miggles?” said Gale, with an encouraging
smile. “Will you come with me now, and talk it over with my father? I think
it will pay you to do so.”
Miggsy decided that candor would be his best course. After all, there was
a chance that he might be able to convince this nice young man that
notwithstanding his painful youth and his lack of actual experience, he was
quite competent to cover police for the Chronicle.
“I’m afraid I ain’t quite as old as I look, Mr. Gale,” he began diffidently.
“That doesn’t matter,” was the reassuring response. “Age is of no
consequence. It is ability that counts, Mr. Miggles.”
“And I ain’t had an experience at reporting,” Miggles went on, hanging
his head. “I’ve been doing—er—inside work.”
Gale received this admission with a pleasant smile. “Lack of experience
isn’t of much consequence, either, Mr. Miggles,” he said. “As a matter of
fact, we prefer to take on green reporters and train them to our ways. So
don’t let those things worry you, old man.”
Miggsy’s face lighted up at these words. “All right, then,” he cried
eagerly. “If that’s the case, I’m on.”
With a smile of satisfaction, Gale hurriedly led the boy to the Chronicle
Building, and bade him wait in the editorial room while he went in to have a
short preliminary talk with his father in the latter’s private office.
A few minutes later Gale came to the door of the private office, and
beckoned to Miggsy to enter.
“I’ve paved the way for you,” he whispered to the boy. “Put up a good
front, now, and you’ll surely get the job.”
The old gentleman with the white mutton-chop whiskers who was seated
at a desk in the center of the room smiled benevolently at his youthful
visitor.
“How do you do, young man?” he said. “Pray be seated. My son has been
telling me that you would like a position on the Chronicle’s reportorial
staff.”
“If you please, sir,” returned Miggsy, sitting on the extreme edge of a
chair and fidgeting nervously with his hat. Not that Miggsy was habitually
shy, or easily put out of countenance, but the momentousness of this
occasion had got upon his nerves.
“Humph!” grunted the elder Gale, looking keenly at the boy. “It seems to
me that you are somewhat young to be a reporter.”
“I can do the work, sir,” declared Miggsy. “And—I expect to grow, sir.”
The proprietor of the Chronicle appeared to be greatly tickled by this
answer.
“You expect to grow!” he echoed, with a chuckle. “That’s pretty neat.
Very well said, young man. I see you have wit. That is an important
qualification in newspaper work. Besides, my son, here, approves of you. In
fact, I may say, young man, that he has taken a great fancy to you; and I have
implicit confidence in my son’s judgment. Therefore I am inclined, in spite
of your exceedingly youthful appearance, to give you a chance.” He turned
to his son inquiringly. “What do you think we had better give this young
man to do?”
“I thought we might put him in Tomlinson’s place, to cover police,” the
younger Gale suggested.
The proprietor of the Chronicle leaned back in his chair and gazed
thoughtfully at the ceiling. “Humph! I don’t know. Covering police is a
pretty difficult assignment. It requires ingenuity and nerve. Do you think this
young man has ingenuity and nerve?”
“I feel sure that he has,” declared the younger Gale stoutly. “I am
confident that Mr. Miggles will make good, governor.”
“Sure!” exclaimed Miggsy eagerly. “You just try me, sir.”
The proprietor of the Chronicle smiled at the boy approvingly. “I like that
suggestion, young man. It shows that you have self-confidence—a most
valuable asset in the newspaper business. I have a good mind to put you to
the test, right now. Suppose I were to send you out on a trial assignment,
which would give you a chance to prove to me that you have sufficient
ingenuity and nerve?”
“That’s a good idea, governor,” exclaimed the younger Gale, with great
enthusiasm. He turned and winked at Miggsy. “As the old saying goes,
‘actions speak louder than words.’ Send Mr. Miggles out on a trial
assignment right now, with the understanding that if he covers it successfully
he starts right in to cover police for the Chronicle at a salary of—what will
the salary be, governor?”
“Oh, I guess we’ll start him at fifteen dollars a week,” replied the elder
Gale carelessly. “With rapid advancement if he proves deserving, of course.”
Miggsy’s eyes glistened. He could scarcely believe that he was not
dreaming. His wages on the Bulletin were three dollars a week. The thought
of earning five times that much, and of being a reporter instead of an office
boy, quite took his breath away.
“Just try me, sir!” he exclaimed eagerly. “All I ask is a chance to show
what I can do.”
“Very well, my boy,” said the proprietor of the Chronicle, with a
benevolent smile, “you shall have that chance.” He stroked his white
mutton-chop whiskers meditatively. “Let me see, now; what assignment
shall we give him? Can you suggest one, my son, that will be an adequate
test of his nerve and ingenuity?”
His son shrugged his shoulders. “I prefer to leave it to you, governor,” he
said.
The elder Gale gazed up at the ceiling for a few moments. Then, as
though he had found an inspiration there, he turned to his son with a chuckle.
“I have it!” he exclaimed. “Suppose we send him to get those Bulletin
pictures?”
“The very thing,” declared the younger Gale enthusiastically. “That
certainly will be a fair test of Mr. Miggles’ ability. It is definitely understood,
governor, that if Mr. Miggles makes good on this assignment he is to cover
police for us, at a salary of fifteen dollars per week.”
“Certainly; that is the agreement. Explain to the young man, my son,
exactly what he has to do.”
CHAPTER XXII.
THE TRAITOR.