on has special instructions to watch out for him, and
there isn't a sharper conductor in the service. He'd figure to grab
the west-bound, if everything went well. If he didn't succeed, we'll
nab him sure somewhere up the line during the day."

"Unless he's taken to the woods. Podmore's not fool enough to stick to
the track, Bob," objected Wade.

"Excuse me, sir, but that's exactly what he's got to do in these here
parts. A train's the on'y hope he's got of gettin' quick to where he
can get an outfit. On'y a damn fool 'd try to make the lake immediate.
I aint sayin' as he mightn't lay low for a while, but he can't stick
that out long."

"Well, I'll be gone all day with Foster up the Lone Hollow spur. Back
by dark. That's all the time I can give you, Bob. If you haven't a
lead before No. 2 gets here, I'm afraid I can't wait." He got up from
the table.

"That's all right, Mr. Wade. But I'll have a message to show you when
you get back this evening," said Cranston confidently.

Nevertheless the only message which he was able to show the President
on his return was a wire from Johnston that there was no trace of
Podmore among his passengers, and that everybody who had boarded last
night's westbound train on the Wardlow division was accounted for. It
was with considerable secret disappointment that the Chief of the
Special Service Department of the C.L.S. made arrangements for the
President's car to continue eastward with No. 2, while he remained
behind at Wardlow; for thereby Cranston was losing a splendid
opportunity to demonstrate his ability at cross-questioning in the
presence of the magnate. He was only human.

Cranston, however, had been taught by experience that time is never up
till the last moment. Although his belongings were packed, he left his
suitcase aboard the car and long after he had said good-bye to Wade,
long after the President was in his berth for the night, the detective
sat doggedly on in the despatcher's office, smoking his pipe. His
patience was rewarded about an hour before No. 2 was due.

The message was from Thorlakson and came over the wire from the night
operator at Indian Creek. The Icelander was holding Podmore at
Thorlakson Siding as instructed. Cranston already had made
arrangements for a special engine to run them back up the line, and
having issued definite instructions he went back to the private car and
unpacked his pyjamas.

One of those methodical individuals