Just before noon Ralph was given a telegram from Stanley Junction, signed by Slavin.
It read:
"Hear you are at Dover, so I will wire. Needed in S.J. V.S. and Mrs. D. here, G.F. in a panic. Quick action needed. Come."
Ralph told the assistant superintendent of the urgent message.
"Of course you must go," said the latter, "but you will have to come down and identify the two prisoners in court in a day or two. By the way, we have sent a full report of the case to headquarters. I would suggest, Fairbanks, if you are tired of tower service, you won't have to ask for promotion."
"Not tired of it, sir," explained Ralph, "only anxious to get higher up the ladder as fast as I can."
"Very good. You've earned a good boost this time," declared the assistant superintendent.
Ralph reached Stanley Junction just after dark. He left the train at the limits and took a short rut home.
The front of the little cottage was aglow with cheerful light, and he knew there was "company."
Ralph burst in upon his good friend, Van, with a boisterous welcome. More gently, but none the less sincerely, he greeted Mrs. Davis. She sat in a comfortable armchair, rather pale and feeble-looking, but smiling through her happy tears.