"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now--that is, normally
strong--all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."

A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
beat to greet him.

Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
narrative advances.

Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
addressed the young adventurer with the words:

"Hello!"

There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:

"Do you take me for a telephone?"

The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:

"A telephone?"

"Yes."

"What makes you ask that question?"

"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."

"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."

"You never did?"

"No; what are they like?"

The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.

"So you never saw a telephone?"

"Never."

"You _tell_ me that?"

"Yes."

Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
designing men. Our hero w