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 of stretching his legs, tossed his book aside and walked back to the vestibule. As he reached it there came several short, hoarse blasts from the engine. The vestibule door was still open and Wade leand out and looked up the track. There was no one in sight, but the engine bell clanged faintly once or twice and then, with a slight jerk the train began to move forward. Wade wondered whether they were really off at last or whether they were merely moving further along the track for some reason. But his doubts were soon dispelled, for the train gathered speed rapidly and in a moment the clean-cut bank of snow beside the track was flowing smoothly by. With a grunt of satisfaction Wade turned his head for a final glimpse of the little settlement behind. What he saw sent his hand upward toward the signal-cord. But as his fingers touched it his hand dropped away again. There was a moment of indecision, and then, poising himself on the lower step, Wade pulled his cap