Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/1095

Rh by his uncle. If he doesn't, he will be prosecuted for the forgery."

"Zeph," observed the young railroader enthusiastically, "you have proven yourself not only a real detective, but a splendid lawyer, as well."

"Thank you," returned Zeph, and blushed modestly; "most everybody that gets in with you does some kind of good in the world."

It was two hours later when a messenger came to the Fairbanks home with a letter for Ralph.

The young engineer flushed with pleasure as he read a brief communication from the master mechanic, advising him that Mr. Robert Grant president of the Great Northern, was at Stanley Junction, and wished to see him for a few minutes at the Waverly Hotel.

Ralph told his mother of the incident, and her eyes followed him fondly and proudly as, arrayed in his best, Ralph started out to keep his appointment.

It was a warm welcome that the young railroader received from the great railroad magnate. Mr. Grant went over their mutual experiences the night of the wild dash of the special from Rockton to Shelby Junction.

"You did a most important service for the road that night, Faibanks [sic]," said the railroad president; "how much, is a secret in the archives of the