that he had been obliged to discharge Herman, but he felt that he had
done the right thing. The company could not afford to employ in any
way men who were drunkards, especially just at this time, when it began
to be more than plainly hinted that the result of the accident on the
road was due to the partial intoxication of a track inspector.

That accident was a complication in Robert Hardy's seven days. It was
demanding of him precious time that he longed to spend in his family.
At one time in the afternoon as he worked at the office he was tempted
to resign his position and go home, come what might. But, to his
credit be it said, that always, even in his most selfish moments, he
had been faithful to his duties at the office. At present no one could
fully take his place. He felt that his duty to the company and to the
public demanded his services at a critical time in railroad matters.
So he stayed and worked on, praying as he worked for his dear ones, and
hoping, as no bad news came from home, that Clara was better. He had
been to the telephone several times and had two or three short talks
with his wife; and now just as the lights were turned on in the office
the bell rang again, and Mrs. Hardy told him that the minister, Mr.
Jones, had called and wanted to see him about some of the families that
were injured in the accident at the foundry room.

"Tell Mr. Jones I will try to see him at the meeting to-night." (In
Barton the church meeting fell on Wednesday.) "And tell him I will
have something to give him for what he wants. How is Clara now?"

"No change yet. Will is suffering some from nervousness. He says he
had a horrible dream of the accident this afternoon. Bess is about the
same. Her escape was a miracle."

"Has George come home yet?"

"No; I am getting anxious about him. I wish you would inquire about
him at the Bramleys as you come up to dinner."

"I will. I must leave very soon. This has been a terrible day down
here. God keeps us. Good-by."

Robert finished most of the work, toiling as never in all his life
before, and started for home at six. On the way he made inquiries
concerning George, but nobody had seen him since the evening before.
When he reached the house he found that his wife, utterly worn out, had
lain down for a little sleep. Alice was caring for the patients with a
calm courage and quiet cheerfulness that revealed the girl's strong,
self-reliant character. Clara's