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She had something of the responsible feelings of a father or brother toward her mother and Madelaine. Alex's refuge was the library and the companionship of her grandfather, who often told her she took life too seriously. "You are young yet. Be happy, and things will work out of themselves." But Alexina did not share his gentle optimism.
At length, early in the fall, Alex's efforts bore fruit, and Jack was offered, and accepted, the "night trick" at one of the big yard towers at Exeter. Of course the two chums were now always together. And the day of the big flood that October was no exception to the rule.
He was reminded by suddenly finding himself sprawling upon his back, and regaining his feet, found their prisoner also racing off at top speed. The oiler darted after, but quickly gave it up. He was no match for the light-footed cowman. Seeing the pistol still in Alex's hand, he cried, "Shoot! Shoot him!" Alex raised the revolver, faltered, and lowered it. "No. I can't," he said. "I can!"
Before the two bandits had crossed the open space, however, Alex's mind had cleared. For plainly they were hurrying! Then their promise to watch him must have been only a threat, to keep him quiet! Good!
When it was finished she stepped aside while I read it. "Wednesday night, nine o'clock. Bridge," I real aloud. Then, aware of Alex's stare, I turned on Liddy. "Some one is to play bridge to-night at nine o'clock," I said. "Is that your business, or mine?" Liddy was aggrieved. She was about to reply when I scooped up the pieces and left the conservatory.
One of the men below reached the ladder, and, looking up, shouted threateningly: "Stop dat! Stop dat, or I shoot!" "Go ahead, Al," said the foreman, looking down. "He hasn't a gun." But even as he spoke there was a flash and a report, and a thud just over Alex's head. "Yes, stop! Stop!" cried the foreman. "Stop. They've got us. No use being foolhardy." Leaning over, he addressed the men below.
"I might just read one of the inscriptions," he said, opening Alex's watch. "'To Alex Ward, from the Middle Western Railroad, in recognition of the heroic part he played in the defense of the Antelope viaduct, November 2nd, 18 , and in thus ensuring the victory of the Middle Western in its memorable race with the K. & Z. for the Yellow Creek Pass.
"I couldn't have held on another minute," he choked. "I believe the handkerchief was burning." Jack prepared to climb out to take Alex's place. "No! Lay still!" interposed Alex. "The car will run by itself here. There's a down grade." Jack dropped back thankfully. "Isn't it awful," he gasped. "My eyes are paining as though they would burst."
Surely, thought Alex, I haven't shaken them off that easily, unless they were already winded from their chase after Off to the right rose a shrill whistle. From immediately to the left came an answer. Then he understood. They were heading him off from the railroad and the river spur. Alex's heart sank, and momentarily he stood, in despair. Then suddenly he thought of the old brick-yard.
"Very well," agreed the lawyer readily. "Set up the instruments." The three Exeter operators came forward, and the prosecutor, producing a handkerchief, himself stepped into the witness-box and proceeded to bind Alex's eyes. That done, to make doubly sure, he turned Alex face to the wall.
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