“Doing some stunts, aren’t you?” observed Roberts, with a commending smile.
“I’m trying to get things in order,” replied Ralph.
“It’s you for it, every time,” declared the friendly fireman. “Wish I had brains.”
“Some one will be sure to come to your relief before long,” said Ralph. “I have done all I can to open up the line, but I think I had better get to Preston and in direct communication with headquarters.”
“It’s a long trip,” suggested Roberts.
“That can’t be helped. I will set my red lantern half a mile ahead on the in track, for fear they don’t quite understand the situation at Preston.”
“So long; you’re a good one,” nodded Roberts approvingly.
Ralph started on his way, set the lantern and accomplished a mile without meeting with any further adventures. It was when he was about two miles on his course when that whistling in the rear caused him to halt and watch and wait.
In about five minutes the Limited whisked by, making up time. Ralph was pretty thoughtful as he followed in her trail after she had passed on.
There were a good many angles to the exploit of the night to figure out. His independent course in trying to stop the runaway might result in some censure, though he fancied not.