ion to the
hint that official had given of "new trains that would wake up some of
the rivals of the Great Northern." That road had recently bought up
two connecting lines of railroad. The China & Japan Mail
experiment--could it be a test as to the possibility of establishing
an "Overland Special?" At all events, there was a pertinent suggestion
in the words that met the gaze of the young engineer and caused him to
halt calculatingly.

A newly-painted store front with clouded windows had a placard outside
bearing the announcement: "Olympia Theatre, 10-cent show. Will open
next Saturday evening with the following special scenes: 1--The Poor
Artist. 2--London by Gaslight. 3--A Day on the Overland Limited." At
the door of the store just being renovated for a picture show stood a
man, tying some printed bills to an awning rod for passers by to take.
Ralph approached this individual.

"Going to open a moving picture show?" he inquired in a friendly way.

"I am," responded the show man. "Interested?"

"Yes," answered Ralph.

"I hope the public will be. It's a sort of experiment, with two other
shows in town. There's none in this locality, and they tell me I'll do
well."

"I should think so," answered Ralph. "Bright, clean pictures will draw
a good crowd."

"I'd like to get the railroad men in touch with me. They and their
families could give me lots of business. There's that prime 'Overland'
scene. It's a new and fine film."

"And it has suggested something to me that you may be glad to follow
out," spoke Ralph.

"And what's that, neighbor?" inquired the showman curiously.

"I'll tell you," responded Ralph. "There was a fire in town
to-day--one of the best-known firemen on the road was burned out. It's
a big blow to him, for he's lost about all he had. There isn't a
railroad man in Stanley Junction who would not be glad to help him
get on his feet again. The big fellows of the road will subscribe in a
good way, but the workers can't spare a great deal."

"I see," nodded the man. "What are you getting at, though?"

"Just this," explained Ralph. "You get out some special dodgers and
announce your opening night as a benefit for Lemuel Fogg, fireman.
Offer to donate fifty per cent. of the proceeds to Fogg, and I'll
guarantee to crowd your house to the doors."

"Say!" enthused the man, slapping Ralph boisterously on the shoulder,
"you're a natural showman. Write me the dodger, will you, and I'll
have it over the s