He left the train a mile from the depot, swinging off at a point that would enable him to reach the roundhouse foreman's house by a short cut.
Ralph found the place closed up. There was a light in one upper room, however, and he had only to knock twice when Forgan came to the door in his shirt-sleeves.
"Is it you, Fairbanks?" he said, in some surprise.
"Yes, sir, and--special!"
"Why, what have you been into?" exclaimed Forgan, catching a glimpse of Ralph's bedraggled form and disfigured head.
"I have been in a freight car for one thing, and in the river for another," said Ralph. "There is no time to lose, Mr. Forgan, if you want to get back those stolen fittings."
"You know where they are?"
"I know where they were at eight o'clock," responded Ralph, "but I know they won't be there much after midnight.
"Good--wait a minute," directed Forgan.
He hurried back into the house and returned drawing on his coat. "I was just going to bed," he explained. "Now, then, Fairbanks," as he led the way to the street. "Tell your story--quick."