one, and there was little to do besides keeping
the machinery in motion. The day was warm, but the air was balmy. The
landscape was interesting, and they seemed gliding along as in a
pleasing dream.

Later, when he analyzed his sensations, the young railroader,
recalling just these impressions, knew that they were caused by
artificial conditions. Ralph relapsed into a dream--indeed, he was
amazed, he was startled to find himself opening his eyes with
difficulty, and of discovering his fireman doubled up in his seat,
fast asleep. He tried to shout to Fogg, realizing that something was
wrong. He could not utter a word, his tongue seemed glued to the roof
of his mouth. Ralph barely managed to slip to his feet in an effort to
arouse his cab mate.

"Something wrong!" ran through his mind. A vague thrill crossed his
frame as, whirling by a landmark, a white-painted cattle guard, he
realized that he must have gone five miles without noting distance.

The bridge was his next thought. Muddy Creek was less than a mile
ahead. If the draw should be open! Wildly reaching towards the lever,
the young engineer sank to the floor a senseless heap, while No. 999,
without a guide, dashed down the shining rails!

CHAPTER XIV

A SERIOUS PLOT

"Who stopped this train--and why?"

Dreamily returning to consciousness, these were the first words that
reached Ralph Fairbanks' rallying consciousness. They were spoken by
the conductor of the accommodation train sharply. The locomotive was
at a standstill, and, staring wonderingly, the conductor stood by the
side of the tender.

"I did," answered a prompt voice, and removing his hand from the
lever, the boy whom the young engineer had known as Marvin Clark
drifted before his vision.

"Hello!" exclaimed the conductor, "I've seen you before. You're the
fellow who caught the train at Riverton just as she left--had a free
pass."

"Never mind me, Mr. Conductor," responded the other rapidly. "I'm
thinking they need some attention," and he pointed to the fireman,
lying doubled up in his seat, and then to Ralph, lying prone on the
floor of the cab.

"Fairbanks--Fogg!" fairly shouted the conductor. "Why, what can this
mean?"

"Foul play, if I'm a judge," spoke Clark definitely. "Fairbanks!
Fairbanks!" he shouted, stooping over and lifting Ralph in his strong
arms. "Here, brace him in his seat."

"Water!" gasped the young engineer in a choking tone. "My throat is on
fire! What has