eight o'clock
I once served an apprenticeship on a New York newspaper , and some of my experiences as a reporter on the _ Evening Smile _ I shall never forget . A reporter on an American newspaper is like a soldier -- he is expected to obey orders implicitly , even at the risk of his life . For this reason he is paid well , but a nervous reporter often goes out of the office with his heart in his mouth and an `` assignment '' that makes him think seriously of taking out another insurance policy on his life . One gloomy winter 's morning I got down to the office at eight o'clock as usual , and had hardly reached my desk when the news editor -- a kind man , who was always giving me opportunities of distinguishing myself -- came up and began to speak at once in a very mysterious voice . `` Got a dandy assignment for you this morning , '' he said . I looked up gratefully . `` I guess you carry a six-shooter , do n't you ? ''