not destined to meet with ready relief. The scow
floated along banks wild and timbered, and, during a vigilant watch at
the little window of over two hours, he saw no human being or
habitation.

Finally the scow slowed up, its course became irregular, it bumped
into some obstacle, turned around, and Ralph discovered the cause of
the stoppage. A mass of logs and other debris had formed clear across
the creek at one point. This the scow lined, edging slowly along as
if drawn by some counter-current.

In a few minutes the craft had worked its way into a cut-off from the
creek. It floated slowly in among a swampy wilderness of reeds and
stunted trees, came to halt at a shallow, and there remained
stationary.

"Why, this is worse than being in the creek," ruminated Ralph, with
some concern. "There was a chance of hailing some one there sooner or
later, but in this isolated spot I stand the risk of starving to
death."

The young fireman was both hungry and thirsty. He made another
desperate attempt to force the scuttle, but found it an utter
impossibility. Then he took out his pocket knife. There was one last
chance of escape in sight. If he could cut the wood away around the
bolt of the scuttle cover, he might force it open.

Ralph could not work to any advantage, for the top of the hold was
fully a foot above his head. However, patiently and hopefully he began
his task. Bit by bit, the splinters and shavings of wood dropped about
him.

"Too bad, that ends it," he exclaimed suddenly, as there was a sharp
snap and the knife blade broke in two.

The situation was now a very serious one. Ralph tried to view things
calmly, but he was considerably worried. He was somewhat encouraged,
however, a little later, as he noticed that along the dry land lining
the swampy cut-off there were signs of a rough wagon road.

"All I can do now is to watch and wait," he declared. "I guess I will
take a look over the contents of those satchels."

Once started at the task, Ralph became greatly interested. He was
amazed at what the documents before him revealed of the plans and
villainies of old Gasper Farrington. There was evidence enough,
indeed, as Slump had said, to send the village magnate to the
penitentiary.

"This information will be of great value to the railroad people," said
Ralph. "It would enable them to at once break the strike."

"Whoa!"

Ralph gave utterance to a cry of delight and surprise. He ran to the
little wi