ive steamed gingerly along. In the gangway stood a small,
broad-hatted man, Morris Blood. He waved his lantern at Glover, and
Glover caught up a hand-torch to swing an answering greeting.

Down the uncertain track could be seen at reassuring intervals the
slow, green lights of the track foremen swinging all's well. The
deepening drum of the steaming engine as it entered the gorge walls,
the straining of the injectors, and the frequent hissing check of the
air as the powerful machine restrained its moving load, was music to
the tired listener above. Then, looming darkly behind the tender,
surprising the onlookers, even Glover himself, came the real train.
Not till the roadbuilders heard the heavy drop of the big cars on the
new rail joints did they realize that the first train of fruit was
already crossing the break.

Ten minutes afterward Bucks, who was with Mr. Brock in the directors'
car, had the news in a message. The manager had agreed to have Glover
present for the supper which was now waiting, and for some time
messengers and telegrams passed from the Brock Special to the canyon.
It was not until twelve o'clock that they learned definitely through
word from Morris Blood that Glover had torn his hand slightly in
handling powder and had gone to Medicine Bend to have it dressed.

CHAPTER IX

A TRUCE

If Glover's aim in disappearing had been to escape the embarrassment of
Mrs. Whitney's attentions the effort was successful only in part.

Lanning and Harrison left in the morning in charge of Bill Dancing to
join the hunting party in the Park, and Mr. Brock finding himself
within a few hours' ride of Medicine Bend decided to run down. Late in
the afternoon the Pittsburg train drew up at the Wickiup.

Gertrude and her sister left their car together to walk in the sunshine
that flooded the platform, for the sun was still a little above the
mountains. In front of the eating-house a fawn-colored collie racing
across the lawn attracted Gertrude, and with her sister she started up
the walk to make friends with him. In one of his rushes he darted up
the eating-house steps and ran around to the west porch, the two young
ladies leisurely following. As they turned the corner they saw their
runaway crouching before a man who, with one foot on the low railing,
stood leaning against a pillar. The collie was waiting for a lump of
sugar, and his master had just taken one from the pocket of his sack
coat when th