He closed the switch on track 6. Then, somewhat faint and badly worried, he sank into the armchair. Nothing was due on regular schedule. The express was reported stalled. Still, so many strange mix-ups had occurred during the night, that Ralph watched the dial, on the keen edge of suspense and distraction.
"Hello!" he cried finally, and started to his feet in wonder.
The dial disc transfixed his glance. It had begun to work. Within thirty seconds it indicated as many varied orders. It scheduled freights, passengers, "chasers." It called for one switch after another.
In stupefaction Ralph watched the brass index finger flit, whirl, and tremble. Then it circled round and round several times, vibrated at "blank," and rested there.
"Why!" gasped the stupefied Ralph, "am I crazy, or is someone else at the other end of the line?"
Voices below made Ralph start, listen, and watch. A grimed face came up through the trap. Ralph recognized the fireman of the through freight.
"Quick!" he spoke--"how bad?"
"Three empty freights kindling wood, front of the engine stove in," reported the fireman.
"No one hurt?"
"Not a soul."