I was wondering where a fellow disappeared to who was hanging
around the tender a few minutes ago. He and a companion have been
following me ever since I arrived."

"Then they have given up the job," observed Griscom, glancing keenly
about. "Why should they follow you, Mr. Trevor?"

"That I cannot tell. Probably thought I looked prosperous, and were
bent on waylaying me. Anyhow, they kept close to me down the tracks
from the depot. Ready?"

"In precisely one minute. There is the Dover Accommodation now,"
announced the engineer, as a headlight came around a curve. "All
right. We'll have to coal up at the limits. Then we will make you a
comfortable seat, Mr. Trevor."

"Don't you give yourselves any concern about me," replied Trevor. "I
am used to railroad life."

They coaled up at the limits, but did not stop for water, the tank
being three-quarters full. Ralph made tests of air valve and water
pump, shook down the furnace, and the locomotive quivered under
high-steam pressure as they started on their special run.

A flagman shouted something at them as they passed a switch.

"What was he saying?" inquired Griscom.

"I couldn't hear him," said Ralph.

"Thought he pointed at the engine--at the cow-catcher," remarked
Trevor.

"Everything all right there," assured Ralph, and in the brisk action
of the hour the circumstance was forgotten.

Twenty, thirty, forty miles made, and as they slowed down Griscom
turned to Trevor, a proud glitter in his eye.

"How is that, sir?" he inquired.

"Famous!" cried the young man cheerily. "Badly shaken up, and this
seat up here is rather bumpy, but I enjoy it, just the same. Going to
stop?"

"Yes, crossing. Only for half-a-minute, though."

The engine halted on regular signal. Griscom got down and ran about a
bit, explaining that he was subject to cramps when seated long in one
position. Two men came up to the locomotive.

"Give us a lift?" demanded one of them.

"Couldn't do it, partner," responded Ralph. "Under special orders."

"Plenty of room up there on the tender."

"Not for you," answered the young fireman.

Both men regarded Trevor very keenly. Then they disappeared in the
darkness. Ralph got the signal from the crossing's switch tower to go
ahead.

"Mr. Griscom," he called out from his window.

"Why, where is he?--I don't see him," said Trevor in surprise. "I saw
him out there not a minute ago."

Ralph jumped to the ground in amazement. Nowhere in sigh