e upon the
discovery that was to draw him into the case himself, and to have so
important a bearing on the outcome of the trial.

Early in the evening preceding the day set for the hearing, Alex, before
starting work on his wire, was studying the paper as usual. For the
second time he was reading the letter from the man Watts that had had
such serious results for Jack.

Suddenly as he read Alex started, again read a portion of the letter, a
moment thought deeply, and with a cry sprang to his feet and hastened to
the chief despatcher's desk.

"Mr. Allen," he said excitedly, "in this letter Watts says he reached
Midway Junction that Friday night by the Eastfield freight, and that he
met and gave Jack Orr the watch after that.

"Now I remember distinctly that it was Jack reported the arrival of the
Eastfield freight that night. She was twenty minutes late, and I recall
asking if she was in sight yet, and his reply that she had just whistled.

"That means Jack was back at the station before the time at which Watts
claims he met him!"

"Ward, why in the world didn't you think of this before?" the chief
exclaimed. "It is the most important piece of evidence your friend could
have.

"Call Eastfield right away on the long-distance, and get Orr's lawyer,
and tell him."

Alex hastily did so, and a few minutes after he heard the lawyer's voice
from the distant town, and quickly told his story.

To his surprise the lawyer for a moment remained silent, then said
slowly, "Of course I would like to believe that. In fact it would make an
invaluable piece of evidence--practically conclusive.

"But really now, how could you be sure it was Orr you heard? What
possible difference can there be between the ticks made over a telegraph
wire by one distant operator, and those made by another?"

"Why, all the difference in the world, sometimes, sir," declared Jack.
"Any operator would tell you that. I would recognize Jack Orr's sending
anywhere I heard it."

But the lawyer at the other end was still incredulous. "Well," he said at
last, "if the jury was made up of telegraph operators, perhaps your claim
might go. As it is, however--"

"Say, I have it!" cried Alex. "Let me give a demonstration right there in
court of my ability to identify the sending of as many different
operators as we can get together, including Jack Orr. Could you arrange
that?"

The lawyer was interested at last. "But could you really do it? Are you
really