t."

And, leaving the young fireman bound and helpless on the floor of the
cab, the men with Trevor left the scene.

CHAPTER XII

THE RAILROAD PRESIDENT

The young fireman had a good deal to think of as he lay in the
locomotive cab, unable to help himself in any way. All the smooth
sailing of the past week was remembered in strong contrast to the
anxieties of the present moment.

Ralph had not recognized any of the crowd who had appeared about the
engine during the evening. The leader, however, seemed to know his
name. This inclined Ralph to the belief that some one of the party did
know him, and naturally he thought of Ike Slump and his associates.

"They are desperate men, whoever they are," he decided, "and they must
have planned out this scheme to perfection to keep track of Mr. Trevor
and follow us up along the line. That man in the water tank is a
daring fellow. He must have had a pleasant time in there. It was an
original move, anyhow."

It was in vain that Ralph endeavored to release himself. He was
stoutly tied. All he could do was to wriggle about and wonder how
soon he would be set free by his captors or discovered by others.

It must have been fully three hours before there was any break in the
monotony of his situation. Ralph heard some one whistling a tune and
approaching rapidly. Soon a man appeared on the cab step, looked Ralph
over coolly, and observed:

"Tired of waiting for me, kid?"

"Naturally," responded Ralph. "Are you going to set me free?"

"That's the orders, seeing that our party is safe at a distance. Got
enough steam on to run the engine?"

"Yes," replied Ralph. "There was full pressure when you people stopped
us, and the steam lasts about six hours."

"All right. You will have a great story to tell the railroad folks,
eh? Don't forget the letter we put in your pocket. There you are. Now
then, go about your business and don't say we did not treat you like a
gentleman. Oh--ooh! What's this?"

The man had cut the ropes that held Ralph captive, and carelessly
swung to the step. In a flash the young fireman was on his mettle.
Springing to his feet, Ralph snatched at a hooked rod. Reaching out,
he caught the man by the coat collar and pulled him back flat across
the cab floor where he had just lain.

"You lie still, or I shall use harsh measures," declared Ralph,
springing upon his captive and menacing him with the rod. "Hold up
your hands, folded, and let me tie you."