"Oh, you'll see me," replied the chief. "I shall have you make a deposition to support the confession."
And amid wishes for the best of success, Bob and the messenger set out for the company's offices.
Direct to the vice-president's rooms Bob was taken.
As the messenger entered with him, a tall, gray-haired man arose from a desk and came forward with outstretched hand, announcing:
"I am Mr. Nichols, and I'm glad to know you, Bob."
For a moment the official gazed earnestly at the honest face before him, then continued:
"There's no use telling you that I and every man who works for our railroad is grateful to you for enabling us to catch the would-be train-robbers. You know that. I want you to tell me how we can reward you."
"I wasn't thinking of any reward, Mr. Nichols," answered Bob. "Mr. Perkins has been so kind to me that when I heard those bad men planning to stop the train, I only thought of repaying his kindness by preventing them if I could."
At these manly words, which showed that Bob was possessed with gratitude, in addition to his other good qualities, the vice-president again shook his hand cordially, exclaiming:
"You've got the right stuff in you, Bob. I'll let Perkins hear what you said. And now, sit down, and tell me all about your trip, beginning at New York."