alph undertook the task of proving it. It required
some clever work to unmask the villainous miser, but Ralph succeeded,
and Farrington, to escape facing disgrace, left the town, ostensibly
for Europe.

In unmasking the old man Ralph was assisted by one Van Sherwin, a poor
boy whom he had befriended. Van and a former partner of Gasper
Farrington, named Farwell Gibson, had secured a charter to build a
short line railroad near Dover, in which project Ralph was very much
interested.

As has been said, Ralph had now been a fireman for two months, but
heretofore employed in yard service only.

"It's the chance of my life," he cried cheerily, as he piled in the
coal, "and what a famous partner is dear, bluff, honest old John
Griscom!"

"Won't have me for a partner long, lad," replied the veteran engineer
with a slight sigh, as he moved the lever.

"Why not, Mr. Griscom?" inquired Ralph.

"Eyes giving out. Had to drop the Daylight Express. I'm going down
the ladder, you are going up the ladder. Stick to your principles,
lad, for they are good ones, as I well know, and you'll surely reach
the top."

"I hope so." said Ralph.

The locomotive gave a sharp signal whistle, and the slow freight
started on its night run for Dover.

CHAPTER II

THE LANDSLIDE

"Trouble ahead!"

"What's that, Fairbanks?"

"And danger. Quick! slow down, or we're in for a wreck."

Ralph Fairbanks spoke with suddenness. As he did so he leaped past the
engineer in a flash, clearing the open window space at the side.

Two minutes previous the old engineer had asked him to go out on the
locomotive to adjust some fault in the air gauge. Ralph had just
attended to this when he made a startling discovery.

In an instant he was in action and landed on the floor of the cab. He
sprang to his own side of the engine, and leaning far out peered
keenly ahead.

They were now in a deep cut which ended a steep climb, and the engine
had full steam on and was making fairly good speed.

"My bad eyes--" began Griscom, and then he quivered in every nerve,
for a tremendous shock nearly sent him off his seat.

"Just in time," cried Ralph, and then he held his breath.

Slowing down, the train had come to a crashing halt. The locomotive
reared upon its forward wheels and then settled back on a slant,
creaking at every joint. Ralph had swung the air lever or there would
have been a catastrophe.

"What was it?" gasped Griscom, clearing his old ey