because she believed her father capable of doing anything
he chose to set his mind to.

"Perhaps he could, but he won't be home to-night," replied Loo,
thoughtfully.

"I think Sam Natly could tell us how to find it. Suppose I go and ask
him," said Gertie.

Loo laughed, and said she thought Sam couldn't help them much. The
child was, however, a resolute little thing, and, having taken up the
idea, determined to go and see Sam forthwith, as he was on duty not far
from John Marrot's cottage.

Sam had recently been advanced from the position of a porter, to the
responsible office of a signalman. The great sin he had committed in
going to sleep in a first-class carriage, when unable to keep his eyes
open, had been forgiven, partly because it was his first offence, partly
because of the good and opportune service he had rendered on the day of
the attempted robbery, and partly on account of his being one of the
steadiest and most intelligent men on the line. Sam's wife, under the
care of Mrs Tipps and Mrs Durby, had made a marvellous recovery, and
Sam's gratitude knew no bounds. Mrs Tipps happened to refer to him one
day when conversing with Captain Lee, and the latter was much pleased to
discover that the man in whom Mrs Tipps felt so much interest, was the
same man who had come to his help in the hour of his extremity. He
therefore made inquiry about him of the station-master at Clatterby.
That gentleman said that Sam was a first-rate man, a stout,
hard-working, modest fellow, besides being remarkably intelligent, and
clear-headed and cool, especially in the midst of danger, as had been
exemplified more than once in cases of accident at the station, in
addition to which Sam was a confirmed abstainer from strong drink. All
these facts were remembered, and when the block system of signalling was
introduced on that part of the line Sam was made a signalman.

The scene of his new labours was an elevated box at the side of the
line, not far from Gertie's home. As this box was rather curious we
shall describe it. It was a huge square sentry-box, with three of its
sides composed of windows; these commanded a view of the line in all
directions. On the fourth side of the box hung a time-piece and a
framed copy of signal regulations. There was a diminutive stove in one
corner, and a chest in another. In front of the box facing the clock
were two telegraphic instruments, and a row of eight or ten long iron
levers, wh