cord.

Ere many seconds the train came to a stop.

"Man on the track," said Dyke Darrel when the conductor came hurrying
to see what was the trouble.

Lanterns were at once brought into requisition, and men went back to
look for the body of the detective's assailant.

No one imagined that he could possibly plunge from the speeding train
and escape death. Dyke Darrel moved along confidently expecting to
look upon the bruised corpse of the outlaw who had attempted his
destruction.

He met with disappointment.

No man was found.

"He must have been a tough one to have jumped the train without
receiving a scratch," said a voice in the ear of the detective, as he
flashed the rays of a lantern down on the track.

Dyke Darrel glanced at the speaker, a gentleman with enormous red
beard, and rather worn silk hat.

This was the detective's first introduction to Professor Ruggles.

"I've no doubt of his being tough," answered Dyke Darrel.

"How did it happen?"

"I think the fellow intended to throw me off the train."

"Goodness! is that so? What was the trouble about?"

"No trouble that I am aware of. I did not know the man."

"Then it's likely he mistook you for some one else."

Dyke Darrel eyed the speaker keenly. There seemed to be nothing
suspicious about the Professor, however, and soon after the detective
dismissed him from his mind.

"All aboard!" shouted the conductor, a little later, and soon the
train was speeding northward at a rapid rate.

Dyke Darrel went into the rear car, and sat down to meditate on his
adventure. He realized that his death had been planned by enemies to
law and order, and he believed by the ones who were anxious to throw
him off the trail of the outlaws who perpetrated the crime on the
midnight express a few nights before.

It did not seem possible that the man who had attempted to throw him
from the train, and had gone over himself, had escaped unharmed.

Doubtless, though badly hurt, he had managed to drag himself away from
the immediate vicinity of the track, where he had remained secreted
until the brief search was over.

Since his fall was unexpected, it was not likely that any of the
villain's friends were in the vicinity, and so it might be an easy
matter to trace the outlaw. Dyke Darrel formed a plan of operation at
once, and rose to leave the train at the next stop.

"Do you get off here?"

Dyke Darrel was somewhat surprised to see Harper Elliston on the
plat