for the signature was strange
to him. The missive stated that the writer "was acting for a former
resident of Stanley Junction who wished to settle up certain
obligations, if a satisfactory arrangement could be made." Further the
writer, as agent of the party in question, would meet Ralph at a
certain hotel at a certain time and impart to him his instructions.

The young fireman was about to consult Griscom as to this mysterious
missive, but found the old engineer engaged in conversation with some
fellow railroaders, and, leaving the place, he proceeded to the hotel
named in the letter.

He was an hour ahead of the time appointed in the communication and
waited patiently for developments, thinking a good deal and wondering
what would come of the affair.

Finally a man came into the place, acting as if he was looking for
somebody. He was an under-sized person with a mean and crafty face. He
glanced at Ralph, hesitated somewhat, and then advanced towards him.

"Is your name Fairbanks?" he questioned.

"Yes," answered Ralph promptly.

"Wrote you a letter."

"I received one, yes," said Ralph. "May I ask its meaning?"

"Well, there is nothing gained by beating about the bush. I represent,
as an attorney, Mr. Gasper Farrington."

"I thought that when I read your letter," said Ralph.

"Then we understand each other," pursued the attorney. "Now then, see
here, Farrington wants to do the square thing by you."

"He ought to," answered Ralph. "He owes us twenty thousand dollars and
he has got to pay it."

"Oh, yes, you can undoubtedly collect it in time," admitted the man.

"But why all this mystery?" asked Ralph abruptly. "In an important
matter like this, it appears to me some regular attorney might
consult our attorneys at Stanley Junction."

"Farrington won't do that. He don't feel the kindest in the world
towards your people. Here is his simple proposition: This affair is to
be settled up quietly between the parties directly interested. I am to
give you certain papers for your mother to sign. You get them attended
to. You will be later advised where and when to deliver them and get
your money."

"Twenty thousand dollars?" said Ralph.

"Yes."

Ralph did not like the looks of things, but he kept his own counsel,
and simply said:

"Very well, give me the documents you speak of and I will act upon
them as my mother decides."

"And keep the business strictly to yourselves."

This looked reasonable to Ra