cted by Providence, his gaze fell on the floor-board of the
office stove. It was covered with a sheet of zinc! And even as he uttered
a glad "Good!" there came the remembrance that at the house that
afternoon he had seen a fine new wash-boiler--with a thick copper bottom.

"That's it," cried Alex, again catching up the lantern and darting for
the door.

A short distance from the depot Alex was halted by a long, muffled
whistle from the east. "The Express," he exclaimed, and in keen anxiety
awaited the next whistle. Would it be for the crossing this side of the
bonfire, or--

It came, a series of quick, sharp toots. Yes; they had seen the fire!

"Thank Heaven! She's safe at any rate," said Alex, at once running on.

A few minutes later he burst into Mrs. Moore's kitchen. The farmer's wife
was at the stove, preparing coffee for them.

"Mrs. Moore, where is your new copper-bottomed boiler? I must have it,
quick," said Alex.

"What! My new wash-boiler?"

"Yes; the copper-bottomed one. It's a matter of life and death!"

The astonished woman hesitated, then, wonderingly, pointed toward the
outer kitchen. Alex ran thither, and quickly reappeared with the fine new
boiler on his shoulder.

"And I must have that kettle of boiling water," he added, on a thought.
"I'll explain later." And catching it from the stove, he rushed away.

As he ran Alex further thought out his plans, and once more at the
station, he placed the kettle on the office stove, emptied the bluestone
into it, and poked up the fire.

Then, with a hammer and chisel, he attacked the copper bottom of the
boiler.

He was still pounding and cutting when presently there was the sound of
hurried footsteps without, the door flew open, and a voice exclaimed: "In
Heaven's name, young man, what are you doing? Why are you not at your
wire, trying to stop the other train?"

It was none other than the division superintendent of the road, who had
been aboard the Sunset.

Only pausing a moment in his work, Alex replied: "I can't reach anybody,
sir, the wire is so weak. I am making a battery of that water-cooler, to
strengthen it. It's the only hope, sir."

The superintendent uttered a horrified exclamation, then quickly added:
"Here, can't I help you?"

"Yes, sir," replied Alex, promptly. "Lift up the stove and slide out the
floor-board. I must have the sheet of zinc off it."

And a few minutes later a group of passengers from the stalled train,
seeking th