when I found my father
waiting, I reached the spot where I had left my travelling-companions
just in time to see them drive off in a cab.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

AGAINST THE LAW.

The next day, after recounting plenty of my adventures to my mother,
but, I am afraid, dressing some of them up so that they should not alarm
her, a letter reached me from Uncle Bob.

It was very short. He hoped I had reached town safely, and found all
well. The night had passed quite quietly at the works, and he ended by
saying:

"I took up the trap. All right!"

That was a great relief to me, and made my stay in town quite pleasant.

I went down to the old works with my father, and it made me smile to see
how quiet and orderly everything was, and how different to the new line
of business we had taken up. The men here never thought of committing
outrages or interfering with those who employed them, and I could not
help thinking what a contrast there was between them and the Arrowfield
rough independence of mien.

My father questioned me a great deal about matters upon which my uncles
had dwelt lightly, but I found that he thoroughly appreciated our
position there and its risks.

"Not for another six months, Cob," he said in answer to an inquiry as to
when he was coming down.

"You four must pacify the country first," he added laughing, "and have
the business in good going order."

My visit was very pleasant, and I could not help feeling proud of the
treatment I received at home; but all the same I was glad to start again
for Arrowfield and join my uncles in their battle for success.

For there was something very exciting in these struggles with the men,
and now I was away all this seemed to be plainer, and the attraction
grew so that there was a disposition on my part to make those at home
quite at their ease as to the life I was leading down at Arrowfield.

At last the day came for me to start on my return journey, when once
more I had a packet to bear.

"I need not tell you that it is of great value, Cob," said my father.
"Button it up in your pocket, and then forget all about it. That is the
safest way. It takes off all the consciousness."

"I don't suppose I shall meet my friend this time," I said.

My father shuddered slightly.

"It is not likely," he said; "but I should strongly advise you to change
carriages if you find yourself being left alone with a stranger."

Word had been sent down as to the train I s