Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/798

230 uniform that you are an escaped convict," answered Ralph.

"Know a good many people, do you?"

"Why, yes, I do," answered Ralph.

"Where is Stanley Junction?"

"About forty miles north of here. I live there."

"You do? you do?" cried the convict, springing up in a state of intense excitement. "Here, lad, don't think me harsh or mean, or cruel, but you have got to stay with me. You would betray me to the police."

"No, I would not," declared Ralph.

"You would, I know—it's human nature. There is a big reward out for me. Then, too, you know people. Yes, you must stay with me."

"I can't help you any—why should you detain me?" insisted Ralph.

"I must find a man," cried the convict, more wildly than ever—"or you must find him for me."

"What man, is that?" spoke Ralph.

"Do you know a Mr. Gasper Farrington?"

"Quite well," answered Ralph, rather startled at the question.

"That is the man!" shouted the convict.

"And that is singular, for I am very anxious myself to find that same individual," said the young fireman.