eath, and the dry woodwork
burned like tinder, and what was there to cause it but those blazing
boxes on the forward truck? The conductor knew there had been no smoking
aboard the car, and that every man was asleep when he went through at
two o'clock. The brakeman had prophesied disaster and danger. It was
God's mercy that warned the poor fellows in time.

Not until along in the afternoon, as they were spinning swiftly down
through the marvellous scenery about Blue Canon and Cape Horn, did Miss
Ray again appear. Stuyvesant had been sitting awhile by Connelly, and
had arranged with him to wire to the Presidio for ambulances to meet the
party at Oakland Pier, for two at least would be unable to walk, and,
until provided with shoes and clothing, few could march the distance.
Then he had spent a few minutes with the other patients.

When he returned to the sleeper there at last was the object of so many
of his thoughts. But she was reclining wearily, her head upon a pillow,
and the austere maid and two other women stood guard over her. "A severe
headache," was the explanation, and Stuyvesant felt that he must defer
his intrusion until later.

Somewhere down the western slope of the Sierras he found at a station
some delicious cherries, and a little basket of the choicest he made
bold to send with his compliments and the hope that her indisposition
would soon disappear. The porter came back with the lady's thanks. The
cherries were "lovely," but Stuyvesant observed that not more than one
or two found their way to those pearly teeth, the rest being devoured by
her too devoted attendants.

It was after nine at night when he marshalled his motley party into the
dining-room at Sacramento and they were made glad by substantial,
well-cooked food, with abundant hot coffee. They thanked him gratefully,
did many of the young fellows, and hoped they might meet more such
officers. An elderly passenger who had quietly noted the outlay of money
to which Mr. Stuyvesant had been subjected strolled up to the manager.
"That young gentleman has had to pay too much to-day. Just receipt the
bill if you please," said he, and drew forth a roll of treasury notes.
Stuyvesant went in search of this new benefactor when he heard of it.
"There was really no necessity, sir," said he, "though I fully
appreciate your kindness. The company will doubtless reimburse me for
any such outlay."

"If they will reimburse you, my young friend," said the vetera