our sick men?" he asked.

"Both alive, but delirious. Doc Gitney has a man nurse to help
him now."

"Did Mr. Rutter leave any orders for me?" pressed Harry.

"No; Rutter is in charge of the actual field work only."

"Who gives the main orders?"

"I do---unless New York changes the plan."

Tom hastily narrated what had taken place in Mr. Thurston's tent
the day before. Harry listened, his eyes growing larger as he
heard.

"Tom! I'm mighty glad!" he cried delightedly. "You're going
to do the trick, too! You're going to put the S.B. & L. through
within the time allowed by the charter!"

"I'm going to do it or wear myself out," replied Reade, with a
glint of determination in his eyes. "But, Harry, the road isn't
going to go through on mere wind. We've got to work---not talk!
Come into the new headquarters' tent. Throw the front of your
shirt open, take a few deep breaths, tie down the safety valve
and get ready to make the steam fly. I'm going over the maps
and documents, the field notes, the reports and what not. I want
you to help me untangle them and set all matters straight."

For two hours the cub engineers worked as they had never toiled
before. Then a horseman drew up before their tent.

"Telegram for Reade, acting chief engineer," called the man from
saddle. "The czar over at the cook house told me I'd find my
man here."

"I'm Reade," admitted Tom, stepping outside and receiving the
envelope. "Do you belong with the telegraph construction crowd?"

"Yes, sir," replied the young horseman.

"How long before you expect to have the line up with the camp?"

"By tomorrow night, unless you move the camp forward again."

"That's good news," nodded Reade. "Wait until I see whether there
is to be an answer to this message."

Tom stepped inside, breaking the flap of the envelope. From head
to foot he trembled as his eyes took in the following message:

"Reade, Acting Chief Engineer.

"Relying upon Thurston's judgment, and from your satisfactory
wire, conclude that Thurston chose right man for post. Assume
all responsibilities. Advise New York offices daily as to condition
of work, also condition Thurston and Blaisdell. Spare no expense
in their care. Shall join you within five days."

(Signed) "Newnham, President S.B. & L. R.R."

Having read the telegram, Tom turned to pick up a sheet of paper.
After jotting down the address of President Newnham, he added:

"Shall hustle job throu