ifles. The train now proceeded on its
way without molestation. At the limits the guards left it to protect
other railroad property.

The only trouble experienced during the run was between Afton and
Dover, when some missiles were thrown and two switches found spiked.
When they reached the city, Ralph tidied up and went to see the
president of the road.

Mr. Grant received him with a pleasant smile, beckoned him to a
comfortable seat, and, closing the door of his private office, said:

"Fairbanks, we think a good deal of you, and I know you deserve that
favorable opinion. There are many trusted and reliable men in our
service, but they do not think as quickly as you do. You are familiar
with people at Stanley Junction, and on that account I wish you to do
an important service for us."

"I shall be pleased to," said Ralph.

"It is this: Some one is working against us, some one is undermining
us. We now believe that the sympathetic strike, as it is called, is
more the result of some plot than a genuine sentiment of unionism. A
man named Delmay, from the Midland Central, and a man named Evans, a
discharged employe of our road, are at the head of the movement. Both
are persons of bad record in every way."

"I know that," murmured Ralph.

"We believe that these men are hired to promote the strike."

"Why, by whom, Mr. Grant?" inquired Ralph in considerable surprise.

"That we wish you to find out. All we suspect is that some outside
party is inciting them to the strike to carry out some selfish
personal ends. You must find out who he is. You must discover his
motives."

Ralph was perplexed. He could not understand the situation at all.

"I will do all I can in the line you suggest, sir," he said, "although
I hardly know where to begin."

"You will find a way to make your investigation," declared the
president of the Great Northern. "I rely a great deal upon your
ability already displayed in ferreting out mysteries, and on your
good, solid, common sense in going to work cautiously and
intelligently on a proposition. You can tell Forgan you are relieved
on special service and wire me personally when you make any
discoveries."

Ralph arose to leave the room.

"Wait a moment," continued Mr. Grant, taking up an envelope. "I wish
you to hand this to Griscom. The Limited Mail will not make any return
trip to-night. Instead, a special will be ready for you. You need
mention this to no one. That envelope contains se