e have
men in their construction department who would pull up track or cut wires
as soon as light a pipe. In the latter case they would cut at critical
times. There is where an operator with a head for difficulties might
prove invaluable."

"I would be more than glad to tackle it, sir," agreed Alex
enthusiastically.

"Very well then. You may consider yourself, and your friend Orr,
appointed. And if you know of anyone else of the same brand, you might
suggest him," the superintendent concluded.

"I don't think I do, sir--at the moment," Alex responded.

The week succeeding brought Alex a suggestion.

XVII

WILSON AGAIN DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF

It was decidedly warm the following Monday noon at Bonepile, and Wilson
Jennings, his coat off, but wearing the fancy Mexican sombrero that the
Bar-O cowmen had given him, sat in the open window to catch the breeze
that blew through from the rear. From the window Wilson could not see the
wagon-trail toward the hills to the west. Thus was it that the low thud
of hoofs first told him of someone's hurried approach.

Starting to his feet, he stepped to the end of the platform. At sight of
a horseman coming toward him at full speed, and leading a second horse,
saddled, but riderless, Wilson gazed in surprise. Wonder increased when
as the rider drew nearer he recognized Muskoka Jones, the big Bar-O
cowman.

"What is it, Muskoka?" he shouted as the ponies approached.

The cow-puncher pulled up all-standing within a foot of the platform.

"There's been an explosion at the Pine Lode, kid, and ten men are bottled
up somewhere in the lower level. Two men got in through a small hole--the
mouth of the mine is blocked--and one of them is tapping on the iron
pump-pipe. Bartlett, the mine boss, thinks it may be telegraph
ticking--that maybe Young knows something about that. Will you come up
and listen?

"You see, if they knew what was what inside, they'd know what they could
do. They are afraid to blast the big rock that's blocking the mouth for
fear of bringing loosened stuff down on the men who have been caught."

Wilson was running for the station door. "I'll explain to the
despatcher," he shouted over his shoulder.

"I, I, X," responded the despatcher.

"There has been an explosion at the Pine Lode mine," sent Wilson rapidly,
"and a man has been sent to take me there to try and read some tapping
from the men inside. Can you give 144 and the Mail clearance from Q and
l