The result was that Gus Collins stepped from his cell a free man that evening. He said little, but he seemed unable to keep his eyes from the face of the boy who had saved him from prison. Collins knew that nothing could have saved him had it not been for the Iron Boy, but somehow he could not find it possible to express his thankfulness.
"We will go back to Duluth," said the lad. "We shall not be able to catch the ship down this way I guess. Anyhow, a few days' layoff will not hurt us in the least."
"What are you going to do with me now?" demanded the fireman, finding his voice at last.
"I shall take good care of you. Forget all that's past. You are a man now, and you are going to be a man henceforth. Quit brooding over your troubles. You haven't any. They were all washed out of you in the lake the day you went in after me. I have something in mind for you that I think will please you."
Reaching Duluth, Steve sought Mr Carrhart at once and to the president the lad told the whole story.
"What do you want, my lad—what do you wish me to do for your friend?" asked the president kindly.
Rush told him in a few words. The result was that Mr. Carrhart gave the boy a letter to the superintendent, telling Steve to return for an interview after he had finished with the Collins' business.
It was a proud and happy Steve who sought out Gus Collins an hour later, at the hotel where the man and the boy were stopping.
"Well, what about it?" demanded the stoker, without the least trace of hopefulness in his tone.