Ralph recalled the fact now that Mr. Stiggs had not shown up about the yards for the past two days. This was an unusual thing for the old railroad pensioner.
"Is Mr. Stiggs sick?" he inquired with interest.
"Dunno," answered the youngster. "It was his wife I talked with. She said Mr. Stiggs would like to have you call about seven o'clock, if convenient. He wants to see you."
"Very well," said Ralph. "Are you to see her again?"
"Why, I can."
"Then tell her I will drop around at seven o'clock this evening."
The urchin lingered. He was a shrewd-faced little fellow.
"Say," he again projected, "Mrs. Stiggs didn't have any change."
"Didn't have--oh, I see!" laughed Ralph. "All right, son--there's a nickel."
Ralph thought little of this incident for the remainder of the afternoon. He fancied that Stiggs might be indisposed, and had some mission for him to execute.