t pass a single habitation."

It was afternoon when they reached the home of old Amos Greenleaf.

Ralph experienced no difficulty in arranging that the convict remain
there for a few days. He gave Greenleaf some money, and, promising to
see the convict very soon, proceeded to Wilmer.

The young fireman took the first train for Afton, and reported what
had occurred to the assistant superintendent.

Two days later Woods and his companions were in jail, and a great part
of the stolen freight plunder was recovered.

Woods confessed that he had duplicated keys and seals for the doors
and ventilators of the freight cars, and the bold thieveries along the
Great Northern now ceased.

Ralph obtained leave of absence for a week. He decided that it was
worth while to try and find Gasper Farrington. He went to the city,
got certain papers belonging to the magnate from Mr. Grant, and went
to Wilmer.

He was soon at the junction of the Springfield & Dover Short Cut
Railroad and the Great Northern. That terminus was completed. A neat
depot had been erected, and on the tracks of the new railroad there
stood a handsome locomotive.

"Oh, Ralph!" cried Zeph Dallas, rushing forward to greet his friend,
as the young fireman appeared. "Great news!"

CHAPTER XXX

THE LOST DIAMONDS

"Great news, eh?" said Ralph.

"You will say so when you hear what I have got to tell you," declared
Zeph Dallas. "Say, I am going straight to headquarters. Come with me.
The news will keep till we get there."

"All right," assented Ralph. "There is enough going on around here to
keep a fellow interested."

"The new railroad?" spoke Zeph brightly. "I should say so. Isn't it
just famous? I tell you, some hustling work has been done here in the
past few weeks."

Ralph was amazed and delighted at the progress made by the Short Line
Railway. As said, a new locomotive was on the rails at the terminus,
and a little depot had been built. Workmen were busy as far down the
line as he could see. In fact, everything indicated that the road
would soon be in full operation.

"The tracks are laid both ways from headquarters, except for a little
distance on the Springfield side," said Zeph. "We expect passenger
and freight cars for the road to-day, and on Monday we open the
line."

"And in what capacity will you appear on that grand occasion, Zeph?"
inquired the young fireman pleasantly.

"Conductor!" exploded the farmer boy, drawing himself up pr