lph. He knew that Farrington felt deeply
the disgrace already attached to his name for past misdeeds of which
he had been guilty.

"We have no desire to humiliate Mr. Farrington any further," he said.
"We simply insist upon our rights. This strikes me as a mysterious and
uncalled-for method of settling up a claim purely business-like in its
character."

"That is the way of old Farrington, you know," suggested the man, with
a coarse laugh.

"Yes, he seems to be given to dark ways," said Ralph.

"Then it is all arranged?" questioned the "lawyer" eagerly.

"So far as it can be arranged for the time being."

"Very well, you shall hear from us in a few days."

Ralph left the hotel with one fixed conviction in his mind--that old
Gasper Farrington was up to some new scheme and that it would be wise
to look out for him.

CHAPTER X

THE SPECIAL

Within a week the young fireman of the Limited Mail was in full swing
as a trusted and valued employe of the Great Northern. Engineer
Griscom had got the time schedule down to a system of which he was
proud. They made successful runs without a break or accident, and
Ralph loved the life for its variety, experience and promise of sure
promotion.

The documents given to him for his mother by the agent of Gasper
Farrington in the city were apparently all regular and business-like.
They covered receipt for twenty thousand dollars, designating certain
numbered bonds indicated, but one phrase which exonerated the village
magnate from blame or crooked dealing in the affair Ralph did not at
all like. He believed that there was some specious scheme under this
matter and he awaited developments.

One blustering night he and Griscom had just run the engine into the
roundhouse, when Tim Forgan, the foreman, came hastening towards them,
a paper fluttering in his hand and accompanied by a young fellow about
twenty years of age. The latter was handsome and manly-looking, very
well dressed, and Ralph liked him on sight.

"The very men," spoke Forgan, showing an unusual excitement of manner.
"Griscom, Fairbanks, let me introduce you to Mr. Trevor."

Engineer and fireman bowed, but the young man insisted on shaking
hands cordially with his new acquaintances.

"Glad to meet you, gentlemen," he said briskly. "I have heard nothing
but regrets as to your absence and praises for your ability in the
railroad line from Forgan here. Tell your story, Mr. Forgan. You know
time is money