As the trainmaster snapped the key shut, the superintendent appeared at the door.
“All ready,” he said.
“The track’s open,” said Mr. Schofield. “I’ve notified Greggs,” and the two men ran down the steps and started toward the train. “Did you notice the signal?” he added.
“Yes,” answered the superintendent, “and I asked Roth about it. He and his fireman both swear that it showed clear when they looked at it a moment before they reached it. Roth merely glanced at it and then looked back at the track. But the fireman says that it seemed to him it was swinging up just as they rushed past it. Then they hit the torpedo.”
“And where did it come from?”
“Lord only knows. There’s something mysterious about this affair, Schofield.”
“I know there is,” and the trainmaster’s face hardened. “I’m going to stay right here till I get to the bottom of it.”
Mr. Heywood nodded.
“Yes—I think that’s best. Who’s the night operator here now?”