to me, just at present," and the speaker consulted an
elegant timepiece in a hurried, anxious way.

"Why, it's just this," said Forgan. "Mr. Trevor, who is a nephew of
the president of the road, came to me with a telegram directing us to
send him through to the city on the quickest time on record."

"A special, eh?" said Griscom, eyeing the young man speculatively.

"About that, only there is no time to waste in making up a train, and
he inclines to riding on the locomotive. The train dispatcher will
give clear tracks to terminus. We were just picking out an engine when
you arrived. How is it, Griscom?"

"You mean, will we undertake the job?" inquired the veteran engineer
in his practical, matter-of-fact way.

"Exactly," nodded Trevor eagerly.

"After a hard double run?" insinuated Griscom.

"That's so; it isn't right to ask them, Forgan. Give me some other
engine."

"Won't you wait till I answer?" demanded Griscom. "Yes, we will, and
glad to show you the courtesy. Is that right, Fairbanks?"

"Certainly," replied Ralph. "Is it a matter of a great deal of
urgency, Mr. Trevor?"

"Particularly so. I have come five hundred miles on other roads on
specials. I must connect with a train in the city at a certain time,
or I miss Europe and important business."

Old Griscom took out his greasy, well-worn train schedule. He looked
it over and pointing to the regular time made, said:

"We can discount that exactly seventy-two minutes."

"And that will bring me to terminus exactly on time," said the young
man brightly. "Do it, my friends, and you shall have a hundred
dollars between you."

"That isn't at all necessary"--began Griscom.

"I beg pardon, but in this case it is," broke in Trevor. "It's all
arranged. Thanks. I will put on a rain coat, and if you will stow me
in some corner of the tender I shall enjoy the run."

Forgan bustled about. Through the call boy of the roundhouse Ralph
sent word to his mother of the extra trip. Then he worked like a
beaver on the locomotive. Trevor watched him in a pleased and admiring
way.

They ran the locomotive out on the turn table. Griscom consulted his
watch, talked a few moments with Forgan, and said to Ralph:

"Tracks clear in twelve minutes, lad. Just time enough to get a bite
at the nearest restaurant."

When they returned, Trevor stood near the engine glancing all around
him in a very animated way.

"Looking for Forgan?" inquired the old engineer.

"Oh, no.