“He seems to be a fine young fellow I helped out a little.”

“Always doing that. Know him pretty well?”

“Hardly at all.”

“Well,” drawled Lacey taking in Glen with a continuous analyzing glance, “he’s a cracker jack.”

“What do you mean, Lacey?”

“Telegraphy. I’ve seen some pretty swell operators in my time, but that kid--say, believe me, Fairbanks, he’s got the last one of them backed clear off the board.”

[CHAPTER IX—A SUSPICIOUS DISCOVERY]

“Explain yourself, Lacey,” directed the young railroader.

“Nothing to explain--it’s exactly as I say. That lad’s a wonder.”

“At telegraphing, you said.”