official earnestly. "Get the
dispatcher again. Ask for details on that division. Don't lose any
time."

The foreman was busy at the 'phone for some minutes. As he held the
receiver suspended in his hand, he reported to the railroad
president:

"Snow and drifting wind reported between here and Dunwood."

"What else?"

"Look out for washouts and culverts and bridges damaged by running ice
and water between Dunwood and Kingston."

"That's half the forty-five miles--go head."

"Between Kingston and Shelby Junction water out over the bottoms and
flood coming down the valley."

"What's on the schedule?"

"All schedules cancelled, not a wheel running except on instructions
from this end."

"Give them," spoke the official sharply. "Tell the dispatcher to keep
the line clear from end to end. Wire to the stations that a special is
coming through, no stops."

"Yes, sir," assented the foreman in wonderment, and executed the
order. The official stood by his side until he had completed the
message. Then he said:

"Tell the dispatcher to get Clay City, and find out if the Midland
Express over the Midland Central left on time."

"On time, sir, and their road is not much hampered," reported the
foreman a few minutes later.

"All right," nodded the official briskly. "Now then, get out your best
locomotive. Give her a shallow caboose, and get her ready as speedily
as you can."

The foreman ran out into the roundhouse. The president took out his
watch. To the infinite surprise of Ralph he called out:

"This way, Fairbanks."

He placed a hand on the shoulder of the young engineer and looked him
earnestly in the eye.

"I know you and your record," he said. "Is that your regular fireman?"
indicating Fogg.

"Yes, sir, Lemuel Fogg. We're on No. 999, Overland Express."

"Yes, yes, I know," spoke Mr. Grant hurriedly. "Mr. Fogg!"

The fireman approached promptly.

"My friends," continued the official rapidly to both. "I have got to
reach Shelby station by 10.15. I must catch the Night Express on the
Midland Central at that point--without fail," added Mr. Grant with
emphasis.

"Yes, sir," nodded Fogg coolly.

"One minute late means the loss of a great big fortune to the Great
Northern. The minute on time means anything in reason you two may ask,
if you make the run."

"We are here to make the run, Mr. Grant, if you say so," observed
Ralph.

"Sure," supplemented Fogg, taking off his coat. "Is that the order,
si