The railway officials had been admitted through the baggage portion of the car, but Elmer knew that this way was not open to everyone. He understood the need of secrecy, and politely forcing the reporter out of the door on to the platform he led him to the front of the car.
"If you'll give me yo' card," he then said with dignity, "I'll take it in, sah."
As he was about to do so, Ned and Alan emerged from the car for a few mouthfuls of fresh air.
"Hey!" exclaimed the impatient young man, "I'd like to see the man in charge of this car. It's important and I'm in a hurry. I'm a reporter for the Comet."
The boys smiled.
"We are in charge," answered Ned. "What can we do for you?"
The reporter seemed taken somewhat aback at seeing two youngsters directing a special car. His bearing changed at once.
"I've been sent to get a story about where you are going and what you are going to do," he said with a little more consideration; "that is, if you care to tell."
Ned puckered up his lips and thought. He had met reporters before and he knew what a "story" meant.
"I think we don't care to say," he replied in a moment. He did not even care to say it was a secret. Even that admission, he knew, would be a basis for something that might interfere with his plans.