Glen ran out to the road where a farm hand on horseback had halted. Ralph followed him.
“About your old man,” spoke the visitor.
“My grandfather, yes,” said Glen breathlessly.
“You told us to sort of keep an eye on him. He came down to our place about an hour ago to get some butter. Scruggins, who lives just beyond here was going to Centerville. Your old man said he wanted to go there, too, to see the new swinging signal bridge over the railroad.”
“Oh, but you stopped him.”
“I was away when it happened, and he would not listen to ma. Scruggins said he would bring him back all right.”
“Oh, I must stop him! I must overtake him!” cried Glen in such poignant distress that Ralph was surprised. “Grandfather was away nearly two days before, and pretty near got lost, and I was worried to death. I must go after him, indeed I must! Excuse me, won’t you,” he pleaded of Ralph.
“I will see you again soon,” answered Ralph.
“Do--sure,” said Glen. “I have lots to tell you.”
The farm hand rode on his way and Glen ran down the road on foot at great speed. Ralph went back slowly to the open house. Once more he inspected the telegraph room. Then with a good deal of thoughtfulness he started homeward.