“Yes,” answered Ralph. “Quiet, please, for a moment. Mr. Griscom, this is urgent,” and Ralph arose and hurried to the next room, where the instrument was located.
He listened to the sharp ticking of the little machine. There was the double-hurry call. Then came some sharp, nervous clicks.
“R-u-n-a-w-a-y,” he spelled out.
“What’s that?” cried Griscom, springing to his feet.
“J-u-s-t p-a-s-s-e-d W-i-l-m-e-r, s-i-x f-r-e-i-g-h-t c-a-r-s. S-t-o-p t-h-e-m a-t R-i-d-g-e-t-o-n, o-r t-h-e-y w-i-l-l m-e-e-t N-o. f-o-r-t-y-e-i-g-h-t.”
Ralph looked up excitedly. Griscom stood by his side. His eyes were wide awake enough now.
“Repeat that message—quick, lad!” he said in a suppressed tone. “Can you signal for repeat?” 120
Ralph did so, once more spelling out the message as it came over the wire.
“No. 48?” spoke Griscom rapidly. “That is the special passenger they have been sending out from Stanley Junction since the strike. What is the next station north? Act! Wire north to stop the train.”
Ralph got the next station with some difficulty. A depressing reply came. No. 48 had passed that point.