Page:Cy Warman--The express messenger and other tales of the rail.djvu/215

Rh I have a right to expect it. I sent a lap order the day I fell ill. I became confused over the repetition of No. 8 and engine 88, Eastcreek and Westcreek, and I gave a lap order. A girl in the office tried to save me, but I laughed at her. I thought her crazy, and when at last I noticed my mistake I tried to call Westcreek to hold 8, but could not get him. I called and called, up to the last second, but he did not answer and it seemed to me that I must go mad. Suddenly it occurred to me that I might get Eastcreek, and hold the special, but the answer came quick and awful: 'Gone,' and then I knew no more until I smelled the smell of those fresh roses you sent me, and came to life again."

"Now, I 'll tell you the truth, Tom, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, as the judge would say," began his visitor. "You did give a lap order, but you saved yourself. Westcreek did answer and got your order to hold No. 8, and he held her, and there was no collision."

"Dan, I never sent that message,—I wanted to. God knows I would gladly have given my