Ralph did not inform the local police of Ike's reappearance, nor did he lodge any complaint against Bemis.
He imagined that his visit to the latter had scared off his enemies, as two days went by and there was no further attempt made to obstruct his services at the switch tower.
Affairs there got down to a routine that pleased the young leverman. Not a jar or break in the service occurred. He seemed to have glided naturally into the details of the business, and was able to take it easier now. He did not worry about wrecks any more. Following out old Jack's definite instructions to always strictly obey orders and act promptly, he simply watched 'phone, dial, and levers. He let the limits tower and the yards switches take care of themselves.
It was three days after Ralph's encounter with Young Slavin and the fifth of his service at the switch tower.
His shift had been changed temporarily. It was divided into four hours in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Ralph had an hour for dinner. That especial day his nooning had something of the element of a new interest. His mother told him she had received a brief note from Mrs. Davis.
The latter in a penciled scrawl told Mrs. Fairbanks that the writer was not very well, and would like to have her call that afternoon. She said she wanted to pay back the ten dollars she owed Ralph, as she had received a remittance from her sister.
"Are you going to see her, mother?" inquired Ralph.
"Surely. I will run up to her house as soon as the dishes are washed."
"I hope she will tell you something about those bonds," said Ralph. "I shall be anxious to know the result of your call."