"Is that any reason why a man's habits should not be regular?"
"N-n-n-o," admitted the rival slowly.
"Well, I must be going, just the same. I have considerable work to do in the car."
Bob rose reluctantly and followed Phil from the dining room. He had hoped to detain the young car manager longer, or until his own men could get a good start on the work of the day.
He looked for no difficulty, however, in outwitting his young opponent.
As they approached the railroad yards each car stood as they had left it, shades pulled well down and no signs of life aboard.
"Looks as if your crew was still asleep," smiled Tripp.
"I might say the same of yours, did I not know to the contrary," answered Phil suggestively.
Bob shot a keen glance at him.
"What do you mean?"