They were loading from the far side opposite the hydrogen cask and as Ned passed the corner of the car he almost ran into the station agent. The agent, who was also the telegraph operator, had a telegram for Ned, which the boy took eagerly. Ned had sent a message to Major Honeywell, telling of their safe arrival, and did not doubt that this was some important afterthought of the Major's. The address ran: "Mr. Ned Napier, Private car Placida, Clarkeville, New Mexico." Tearing open the envelope Ned read:
"Just learned Kansas City Comet has story mysterious trip for government starting Clarkeville. Real object not known. Look out not followed.
"Baldwin Honeywell."
With three jumps Ned was in the car and had pull Alan into the drawing room portion. The telegram was read again and the two boys looked at each other in astonishment.
"How could they?" began Alan.
"No matter how," answered Ned, almost out of breath. "They did and that's enough. Now I know!"
"Know what?"
Ned pushed his chum to the side of the car and pointed outside where Buck and his helper were at work.
"Look at him," he exclaimed.
"At Buck?"