when you came in," he explained.

"From Jack Orr!" said Alex with pleasure. A moment later he uttered a
second exclamation, again read a paragraph, and with a delighted "The
very thing!" hastened after the chief.

"Mr. Allen, this letter is from a friend of mine, a first class
commercial operator, who wants to get into railroad telegraphing, and who
would be just the man to send to MJ.

"He is a regular amateur detective, and has all kinds of pluck," Alex
went on, and in a few words recounted Jack's clearing up of the cash-box
mystery at Hammerton, the part he played in the breaking up of the band
of Black-Handers, and his resourcefulness when the wires were cut at
Oakton.

The chief smiled and reached for a message blank. "Thank you, Ward," he
said. "That's the man we want exactly. How soon can he come?"

"He says he could take a place with us right away, sir."

"Good. We'll have him there if possible to-morrow evening," decided the
chief, writing.

Needless to say Jack was delighted when early the following morning at
Hammerton he received the telegraphed appointment to the station at
Midway. At once resigning at the Hammerton commercial office, he hurried
home, by noon was on the train, and arrived at Midway Junction at 7
o'clock.

Entering the telegraph room, he called Exeter. "Well, here I am, Al," he
ticked, when Alex himself responded. "And I'm ever so much obliged to
you, old boy, for getting me the position."

"Don't mention it. And anyway," responded Alex, "you had better save your
thanks until you learn just what you are up against there. I didn't have
time to write--but the former man left last night, simply on the run."
And continuing, Alex explained.

"So you see, you were called in as a sort of expert."

"Hi," laughed Jack. "Well, I'll do the best I can. But probably the
'ghost' won't show up again now for a month or so?"

"On the contrary, it is more likely to return soon," clicked Alex. "That
has been the way every time so far--three or four appearances in
succession. So you had better prepare for business at once."

Alex's prediction was realized two nights later. A few minutes after the
last freight had gone north, and Jack had been left entirely alone in the
big station, he heard light footfalls outside on the platform. Going to
the window, he peered out into the darkness, and seeing nothing, turned
to the door. As he opened it the footsteps ceased.

Surprised, Jack returned and sec