“Who are you?”
“I am Bob Alden, a travelling photographer. Mr. Maverick hired me to take pictures along the route for a new guide book.”
“I’ve heard of you,” said the conductor. “By Jove! but this is a rascally piece of business.”
“What’s to be done?” asked the engineer. “We can’t stay here all night.”
“I’ll tell you what to do,” said Bob. “Run back to that last station and get a number of officers. Then run up to Gooseneck Falls and capture the rascals.”
“That’s a good plan,” said the conductor. “And in the mean time I’ll stay with that express agent and see that he doesn’t skip out.”
“Can I go along?” asked Bob.
“Certainly. Come, I’ll help you to the parlor car and you can go into the lavatory and wash up. The porter will give you some court-plaster and such stuff, if you need it.”
Bob braced up and was soon aboard the car. Then they started back, much to the surprise of the express agent, who came out to inquire what was up.
The conductor told him, and also ordered him to keep still. The fellow was very much frightened, and said he knew nothing of the intended robbery.