Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/1036

212 "You bet it is," assented Archie with force.

"And you attempt too grand beginnings. Take something more simple and easy than trying to revolutionize railroad service all at once, and gradually work up to bigger things."

"Say, there's sense in that, an old inventor told me the same thing," said Archie; "but you see this rocket danger signal of mine is a new thing. I'm going to Bridgeport to-morrow to get some fixings I have in my workshop there. You'll hear from me later, Fairbanks."

Concerning Zeph, Fred Porter and Marvin Clark the young railroader had heard nothing since the last visit of Zeph to Stanley Junction. Many a time he wondered what had become of them. He had all kinds of theories as to their continued mysterious absence, but no solution offered as time wore on.

The Overland Express had not become an old thing with Ralph. He felt that the charm and novelty of running the crack train of the road could never wear out. With each trip, however, there came a feeling of growing strength and self-reliance. Ralph had learned to handle the proposition aptly, and he took a great pride in the time record so far.

"It's a lively run, and no mistake," he remarked to Fogg, as they started out from the depot that