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CHAPTER XV

"VAN"

the one o'clock whistle sounded, Ralph started over for the engine stalls.

"Hold on!" challenged the lame helper, suddenly appearing in his usual extraordinary way.

"What's the trouble?" asked Ralph.

"Boss says you're on the sick list."

"But I'm not!" declared Ralph with a smile and mock-valiantly waving his injured arm.

"Says you're to go home, and report in morning."

"But I can't do that," demurred Ralph.

"Must—orders."

"It would worry my mother, she would think something serious was wrong with me, while I feel as well as I ever did in my life—yes, better, even," insisted Ralph.

"Well, you're not to work, boss says—you can loaf, if you like."

"That's something I don't fancy."

"Then watch me, and I'll show you some things." Rh