The dispatcher, who was also the ticket seller explained that sometimes the train stopped at way stations, before reaching Miles Junction, in case there were passengers to get off or on.
“And that’s what must have happened in this case,” the dispatcher gave as his opinion. “The party you inquired about must have had a ticket to Hankertown, and that’s why she got off there. Is there anything more I can do for you?”
“Thank you—no,” answered Mr. Bobbsey. “Come, children,” he called to Bert and Nan.
“Where are you going?” they asked him.
“I’m going to keep on after the little old lady. I must find her! We can go to Hankertown by auto. It’s only fifteen miles.”
“It isn’t as far as that if you go by the back road,” the train dispatcher told them. “It’s fifteen miles by railroad, about the same by the main highway, but much less by the back road.”
“Is it a good road?” questioned Mr. Bobbsey.
“Fair,” answered the dispatcher. “You’ll make time if you take the back road.”
“That’s what I’ll do, then,” said Mr. Bobbsey.
He had already telephoned to his wife, telling her that they had caught sight of the strange woman who had deserted the baby.