an get to
bed just as soon as you like."

The passenger coaches were soon emptied of the through passengers. A
local engineer, fireman and brakeman took charge of the train to
switch the China & Japan Mail car over to another track, ready to
hitch on to the Overland express, soon to arrive, sidetrack the other
coaches, and take No. 999 to the roundhouse.

CHAPTER IV

A WARNING

Ralph doffed his working clothes, washed up at the tender spigot, and
joined Clark, who stood waiting for him on the platform. Fogg, without
tidying up, in a sort of tired, indifferent way was already some
distance down the platform. Ralph hurried after him.

"Six-fifteen to-night, Mr. Fogg, isn't it?" spoke Ralph, more to say
something than anything else.

"That's right," returned Fogg curtly.

"Griscom directed me to a neat, quiet lodging house," added Ralph.
"Won't you join me?"

"Can't--got some friends waiting for me," responded the fireman.

Ralph followed him seriously and sadly with his eyes. Fogg was making
for Railroad Row, with its red saloon signs, and Ralph felt sorry for
him.

"See here," spoke Clark, as they walked along together, "headed for a
bunk, I suppose?"

"Yes," answered Ralph. "John Griscom, that's our veteran engineer,
and a rare good friend of mine, told me about a cheap, comfortable
lodging house to put up at. It's some distance from the depot, but I
believe I shall go there."

"Good idea," approved Clark. "I've been in some of those railroad
men's hotels yonder, and they're not very high toned--nor clean."

"What's your program?" inquired Ralph.

"Got to sleep, I suppose, so, if I'm not too much of a bore and it's
pleasing to you, I'll try the place your friend recommends."

"I shall be delighted," answered Ralph.

Within half-an-hour both tired lads tumbled into their beds in rooms
adjoining in a private house about half a mile from the depot. Ralph
stretched himself luxuriously, as he rested after the turmoil and
labor of what he considered the most arduous day in his railroad
career.

The young engineer awoke with the bright sun shining in his face and
was out of bed in a jiffy. These lay-over days had always been prized
by the young railroader, and he planned to put the present one to good
use. He went to the closed door communicating with the next room and
tapped on it.

"Hey, there!" he hailed briskly, "time to get up," then, no response
coming, he opened the door to find the apa