"Yes, sir."

"She didn't get by? She's ahead of us here?"

"Yes, sir, 'bout quarter of a mile down the track."

Wade jumped from his seat, pushed the porter aside and rushed into the car. The next instant he was back, bag in hand. He thrust a half-dollar at the astonished porter.

"There you are. Open that door for me, porter."

"Wh-what you all goin' do, sir?"

"I'm going to change trains. Hurry up with the door!"

"You may get left, boss," remonstrated the darkey as he pulled open the vestibule door. "That other train may pull out any time."

"Then I get left," answered Wade as he swung himself onto the ground. It was pitch dark save for the lights from the car windows and he stumbled over the ends of the ties until his eyes accustomed themselves to the gloom and descried a narrow