d," said Ralph modestly.

"I want to acknowledge that service. I am only the president of the
road," said Mr. Grant, smiling, and Ralph smiled, too, "so being a
servant of the road, I must act under orders. I learned that, like all
thrifty young men, you had a savings account at the bank here. I have
deposited there the company's check for one thousand dollars to your
account."

"Oh, Mr. Grant----" began Ralph, but the railroad president held up
his hand to check the interruption.

"As to Fogg," went on Mr. Grant, "the road has closed up the
subscription in his behalf, by giving him sufficient to rebuild his
burned-down house."

Ralph's face was aglow with pride, pleasure and happiness.

"So, good-by for the present, Fairbanks," concluded the railroad
president, grasping Ralph's hand warmly. "There are higher places for
ambitious young men in the service of the road, as you know. I shall
not try to influence your plans, for I know that sheer merit will put
you forward when you decide to advance. As to my personal influence,
that, you know, is yours to command. For the present, however, we
should regret to see the Overland Express in other hands than those of
the youngest and the best engineer on the Great Northern."

What Mr. Grant had to say about Ralph's advancement came true a little
later, and those who care to follow our hero's future career may do so
in the next story of this series, to be called, "Ralph, the Train
Dispatcher; or, The Mystery of the Pay Car." In that volume we shall
meet many of our old friends once more, and see what our hero did when
new difficulties confronted him.

One day Ralph was surprised to receive a visit from Marvin Clark and
Fred Porter. He received them both warmly, and soon learned that Clark
had fixed up his trouble over railroad work, and with his parent, and
had secured a good position for Fred, so that the latter would no
longer need to lead a roving life.

"But I must have one more ride with you, Fairbanks," said Fred.

"And I'll go along," said the son of the railroad president.

"With pleasure!" cried Ralph. "Come on!" And he led the way to where
No. 999 stood ready for the next run.

The trip was a grand success. And here we will, for the present, at
least, say good-by to Ralph of the Overland Express.

THE END

THIS ISN'T ALL!

Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made
in this book?

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