n't stop there."

"It's got to stop there--or there'll be more trouble than this road has
had since it began business. The conductor pulled out and left two of
his passengers--gave out wrong information, and he'll have to hold his
train there or bring her back here. If you don't send that order I'll
report you as well as the conductor." Grenfall's manner was commanding.
The agent's impression was that he was important that he had a right to
give orders. But he hesitated.

"There's no way for you but to get to P---- anyway," he said, while
turning the matter over in his mind.

"You stop that train! I'll get there inside of twenty minutes. Now, be
quick! Wire them to hold her--or there'll be an order from headquarters
for some ninety-day lay-offs." The agent stared at him; then turned to
his instrument, and the message went forward. Lorry rushed out. On the
platform he nearly ran over the hurrying figure in the tan coat.

"Pardon me. I'll explain things in a minute," he gasped, and dashed
away. Her troubled eyes blinked with astonishment.

At the end of the platform stood a mountain coach, along the sides of
which was printed in yellow letters: "Happy Springs." The driver was
climbing up to his seat and the cumbersome trap was empty.

"Want to make ten dollars?" cried Grenfall.

"What say?" demanded the driver, half falling to the ground.

"Get me to P---- inside of twenty minutes, and I'll give you ten
dollars. Hurry up! Answer!"

"Yes, but, you see, I'm hired to--"

"Oh, that's all right! You'll never make money easier. Can you get us
there in twenty minutes?"

"It's four mile, pardner, and not very good road, either. Pile in, and
we'll make it er kill old Hip and Jim. Miss the train?"

"Get yourself ready for a race with an express train and don't ask
questions. Kill 'em both if you have to. I'll be back in a second!"

Back to the station he tore. She was standing near the door, looking up
the track miserably. Already night was falling. Men were lighting the
switch lanterns and the mountains were turning into great dark shadows.

"Come quickly; I have a wagon out here."

Resistlessly she was hurried along and fairly shoved through the open
door of the odd-looking coach. He was beside her on the seat in an
instant, and her bewildered ears heard him say:

"Drive like the very deuce!" Then the door slammed, the driver clattered
up to his seat, and the horses were off with a rush.

"Where are we going?"