be a mishap after all," suggested the young engineer.

"I think as you do about that. I've come to you for advice, and I feel
sure that it will be good advice. Now, then, to get to central motive
of Clark's plan--a noble, grand act, a royal deed. It was all for the
sake of his little charge, Ernest Gregg."

"I can imagine that," said Ralph.

"Clark could not get the little fellow out of his mind. He had got, it
seemed, a clew to some of his relatives. He told me that only for a
wicked enemy, and if he had his rights, Ernest would be in a position
of positive wealth. He said that he was determined to find a certain
old man who could clear up the whole situation. He was going to start
out with Ernest to solve the secret of his strange life, while his
friends supposed that he was following out the plan that his father
had arranged. Clark made a plan how we were to keep track of one
another, writing to certain points we agreed upon. I started out from
Earlville on my part of the arrangement, while Clark stole out of town
with his young charge. For three weeks I wrote regularly to him and he
replied. During the last month I have not received a word from him,
and some of my letters have come back to me."

"Then you are worried about him?" inquired Ralph.

"I am, very much. You see, he spoke of an enemy of Ernest. How do I
know what may have happened to both of them? If Clark should
disappear, see what a fix I am in, assuming his name, spending his
money. I'd have a hard time explaining reasonably the wild, mad move
Clark made me take."

"It is certainly a singular situation," admitted the young railroader
thoughtfully.

"Isn't it, now? I've come to you to have you help me solve the
problem. Think it over, give me some advice. Or, one thing--you go to
many places with your railroading. You might keep a watch out for
Clark, just as I am doing. You might get a clew to him or run across
him."

"But how should I know him?" inquired Ralph.

"I'm going to give you his picture."

"That will help."

Fred drew out a memorandum book and selected from it a small
photograph, which he presented to Ralph. The latter saw a bright,
manly face portrayed in the picture.

"You keep that," directed Fred.

Ralph reflected for a few moments. Then they discussed the situation
in all its bearings. There was not much to suggest, however, on the
part of the young engineer. The most they could hope for, he told
Fred, was that one or th