Two of them were grown men--bearded, rough-looking fellows, resembling tramps.
The other two persons of the group had a prompt and distinct interest to Ralph. He at once recognized Ike Slump and Mort Bemis.
They were coming directly towards the freights. Ralph saw the danger of discovery.
The door of the car next to the last box freight was ajar.
Ralph leaped up into the car just as Ike Slump reached the top of the railroad embankment.
[CHAPTER XXX--PRECIOUS FREIGHT]
"Here we are!" almost immediately sounded out the tones of Mort Bemis.
"Glad of it," growled a gruff, breathless voice, unfamiliar to the listening Ralph. "We are about done out lugging these heavy crowbars over swamps and up this steep climb."
"Quick action, now," broke in Slump. "Here, give me a crowbar."
Ralph glided to the end of the box car he was in. He got near its little rear grated window.