Page:Cy Warman--The express messenger and other tales of the rail.djvu/230

218 When they were all seated, the superintendent asked the train-master to relate what he knew about the so-called "mysterious message."

"I know absolutely nothing," declared Goodlough, earnestly, for the subject was naturally embarrassing to him.

"You told Mr. Creamer, I believe, that you were positive that you did not send the order to Westcreek to hold No. 8, although your initials went with it," said the superintendent, with the air of a lawyer cross-examining a witness.

"I did."

"And you do not know who sent the message?"

"I do not."

"Well, I do," said the superintendent with a broad smile, "and I 'll let you gentlemen into the secret. The mysterious message is no longer a mystery. When Miss Morgan saw, or rather heard, your mistake, she endeavored to convince you that you were in error, but failed. Despairing, she left the building. She was almost wild with grief and alarm. I saw her face as she hurried down the stair, and it