"Eckstein," prompted the secretary; but he said no more, being prudently anxious to be quit of the transfixing stare before a worse thing should befall. In the inner room the vice-president was less effusive, but no less cordial. It was a rare thing to see one of the company's directors in the Denver business offices. Mr. North was of the opinion that it would be a good investment of time and effort for all concerned if the members of the board used their privilege oftener. So on through half a dozen polite time-killers to the reluctant query: What could the general manager do for Mr. Adair? Given leave to speak, Adair stated his needs succinctly. He wanted a special train to Saint's Rest; he wanted it suddenly, and he asked that it be given the right of the road. "My dear sir!" protested the vice-president, "you mustn't ask impossibilities! You shall have the train at once, of course: you shall have my private car. But when it comes to the right of way, you'll have to appeal to Mr. Ford. Why, he doesn't scruple to lay out the United States mails for his material trains!" "Um," said Adair. "Where can I reach Ford?" Mr. North did not equivocate; he never lied when the truth would answer the purpose equally well. "He is out on the extension; or more correctly speaking, somewhere beyond the present end of the construction telegraph line. I'm afraid you couldn't reach him by wire." "And the president?" queried the visitor. "Mr. Colbrith's car is at the end-of-track. You wished to join the party in the Nadia?" "That is what I had in mind," said Adair, not too anxiously. Mr. North shook his head. "I don't think you'd enjoy the run over the construction track. Mr. Colbrith went over it last night because--well, because he believes it to be a presidential duty to inspect everything. If you leave to-day, you will probably meet the Nadia coming out--possibly at Saint's Rest." Adair suddenly became wary. "Perhaps that would be the easy thing to do," he said. "I suppose the engineers at Saint's Rest could put me up if I have to stay over night?" "You needn't ask them. You will have my car--with the best cook this side of Louisiana. Keep it, live in it, till Mr. Colbrith picks you up on his return." "All right. But you'll give me the special. And let it make as good time as it can, Mr. North; I'm fierce when I have to ride a slow train."