Every one laughed at this comment upon Bob's good fortune, and the chief
added:

"I hope it sticks by him. He'll need all the luck he has if any of those
Oklahoma cowboys start in to have fun with him."

"I guess I will," smiled Bob. "Anyhow, a few knocks won't hurt me. Mr.
Perkins told me all I must look out for was to keep away from the saloon
and gambling dens and not to make friends too quickly."

"Well, if you follow his advice, you'll get along all right."

Upon the arrival of the special car at Kansas City, the officers were
met by a messenger with instructions to have Bob taken to the offices of
the railroad company, as the vice-president wished to talk with him.

"There's more of your luck," commented the chief. "Mr. Nichols will
probably give you a reward."

Bob, however, was more concerned about regaining possession of his pass
and ascertaining when his train would leave than in speculation as to
whether or not he would be rewarded, and he made no bones about saying
so.

"Never mind the pass, now," returned the messenger, who was to escort
him to the vice-president's office. "We'll get that in plenty of time so
you won't miss your train."

Thus reassured, Bob turned to the detectives, saying:

"Good-bye, if I don't see you again."

"Oh, you'll see me," replied the chief. "I shall have you make a
deposition to support the confession."

And amid wishes for the best of success, Bob and the messenger set out
for the company's offices.

Direct to the vice-president's rooms Bob was taken.

As the messenger entered with him, a tall, gray-haired man arose from a
desk and came forward with outstretched hand, announcing:

"I am Mr. Nichols, and I'm glad to know you, Bob."

For a moment the official gazed earnestly at the honest face before him,
then continued:

"There's no use telling you that I and every man who works for our
railroad is grateful to you for enabling us to catch the would-be
train-robbers. You know that. I want you to tell me how we can reward
you."

"I wasn't thinking of any reward, Mr. Nichols," answered Bob. "Mr.
Perkins has been so kind to me that when I heard those bad men planning
to stop the train, I only thought of repaying his kindness by preventing
them if I could."

At these manly words, which showed that Bob was possessed with
gratitude, in addition to his other good qualities, the vice-president
again shook his hand cordially, exclaiming:

"You've got the right