Ralph noticed the two engineers leave the office, then Big Denny. The latter had hold of the hand of little Nora.
He led the way up to Ralph. Limpy had just taken his seat on the other end of the bench.
"I'm going to take her home," said the watchman. "Nora, do you know who this young gentleman is?"
The little girl looked still pale and frightened, but except for the torn dress and hat and a dark bruise on her forehead seemed none the worse for her recent perilous experience.
"No, sir," she said shyly.
"It's Ralph Fairbanks. He saved your life."
"Oh, sir! did you? did you?" she cried, running up to Ralph. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him, the tears running down her cheeks. "When I tell mamma, she'll come down and thank you, too!" she continued and then passed on.
Ralph was affected by the incident. His heart warmed up as he reflected how the tide of feeling had changed towards him in the past hour. Then, reaching for his lunch pail, his hand unexpectedly came in contact with a big, juicy square of pie. The lame helper had disappeared.
It was a further tribute from that strange, silent man, and it told Ralph unmistakably that beyond that grim wall of reserve was probably hidden a heart of gold.
The excitement and rough usage of the morning had used up Ralph considerably. He felt the need of fresh air, put aside his dinner pail, and started for the outside.