"That's rational, but who was it?" persisted Mr. Leslie.
"Whoever it was," said Bart, "he has certainly proved himself a good, true friend."
"Have you no idea who it is?" challenged Mr. Leslie sharply.
Bart hesitated for a moment.
"Why, yes," he admitted finally. "I am pretty sure who it is. I do not know his name, but I have seen him several times," and Bart thought it best to reveal to his superior all he knew about the roustabout who had warned him of the burglary, who had assisted him in rescuing his father from the burning express shed, and who had vanished suddenly as people began to crowd to the scene of the blaze.
"I would like to meet that man!" commented Mr. Leslie.
"I hardly think that possible," explained Bart. "He seems to be afraid to face the open daylight, and, as you see, has not even manifested himself to me, except in a covert way."
"He is some poor unfortunate in trouble," said the superintendent. "If you do see him, Stirling, give him that—from the express company."
Bart was sure that his mysterious friend could be no other than the roustabout. He took the crisp ten-dollar bill, which the superintendent extended with an impetuousness that showed he was a genuine, warm-hearted man under the surface.
"That quarter of a dollar you gave him was a grand investment, Stirling. And now to get down to business, for I haven't much time to spare."