Part 35 (1/2)

”You do as you're told, Fairbanks,” directed Denny, with a magnanimous wave of his hand. ”Now then, we, Tim and I and Matthewson, the road detective, estimate you had better keep active hands off railroading for about two weeks. In the meantime, Matthewson says you can take a run between here and Dover.”

”That's where the stolen stuff, and horse and wagon, and Ike Slump and the tramp were started for,” said Ralph.

”Exactly. They did not arrive. Matthewson's men have failed to discover the least trace of the layout after leaving Stanley Junction.”

”Does he expect me to?”

”Who can tell--he wants you to try. Has considerable faith in your abilities--as we have. He gives you two weeks at ten dollars a week.

Here's your credentials--pa.s.s on any hand car, freight train, box or gondola, pa.s.senger coach, smoker or parlor car, locomotive, freight, switch or pa.s.senger, on the Great Northern and all its branches.”

Ralph caught his breath short and quick. This remarkable dovetailing of events and prospects was rather exciting.

Having got rid of his budget of intelligence, Big Denny subsided somewhat. He had something more on his mind, however, and he began in a more serious way:

”And now, Fairbanks, for the real milk in the cocoanut.”

”You don't mean to say this isn't all?”

”Scarcely. We might have taken care of you in a less complicated way, only that we made a certain discovery.”

Ralph looked interested and expectant.

”It was this: Bardon, the inspector, Bardon, the ex-spy, is connected with Mr. Gasper Farrington.”

Ralph said nothing. He recalled, however, the threat of the crafty old capitalist. His enemy had started in to use his influence.

”Yes,” declared Denny, ”Bardon went straight to Farrington's house. When he left there he went to find some old-time cronies at the Junction Hotel. I had a friend listening to some of his boastful talk. We know at this moment that Gasper Farrington offers him five hundred dollars to get you discharged and away from Stanley Junction.”

”Which he won't do!” said Ralph very positively.

”Not while Tim and I are on deck,” declared Denny as positively.

”Listen, Fairbanks: before Sat.u.r.day night Forgan will see the master mechanic, before the following Wednesday the master mechanic will see the division superintendent, before the following Sat.u.r.day the president of the road will have in his possession your full and complete record, beginning with your heroic conduct at the fire at the yards, the rescue of little Nora Forgan, the discovery of the stolen fittings, the saving of the show car to-day, and your general good conduct and efficiency in the service.”

Ralph flushed at the hearty encomiums of this loyal old friend.

”In another week,” continued Denny, rolling the words over in his mouth and sprawling out with a sense of the keenest enjoyment, ”we guarantee, Tim and I, a letter, something like this: 'Mr. Ralph Fairbanks: Dear Sir: Please come back to work.'”

”I'll thank you,” said Ralph, with bright, glad, s.h.i.+ning eyes. ”My old place again--as wiper.”

”Not much!” negatived Big Denny, looking bigger than ever as he rose to the full magnitude of his final declaration--”as switch towerman for the Great Northern Railway at sixty dollars a month!”

CHAPTER XXVI--A ROVING COMMISSION

It was difficult for Ralph to sleep after the departure of Big Denny. He was still under the disturbing influence of the exciting events of the afternoon and evening. His mother had not been disturbed by the watchman's visit. Ralph finally strolled out into the garden, and sat down in the little summer house to rest and think.

He did not exactly feel as though he were at the height of his ambition, but Ralph did feel exceedingly thankful and encouraged. He valued most the friends he had gained personally, from the lowly walks of life it was true, but who had been bettered and elevated by the contact.

The pre-eminent thought now in Ralph's mind was concerning Gasper Farrington. Had things gone on smoothly, and had the magnate left him alone, Ralph might have been inclined to accept the situation. His mother did not care to rouse a sleeping enemy, and he would have respected her decision. But now that Farrington had so palpably shown his intentions, had declared war to the knife, bitter and vindictive, all the fighting instincts in Ralph's nature arose to the crisis.