Just as he grabbed the negro by his kinky wool the conductor, who had been asleep in his berth, emerged. He was struck squarely by the porter, and the two went down in a heap in the aisle, with Mr. Post on top of them. "What's this all about?" inquired the conductor, as soon as matters had quieted down a bit. "I've been robbed, that's all," replied Mr. Post, who had partly dressed. "Tell me about it," demanded the conductor, and then the miner, realizing that he had been a bit foolish, explained the circumstances. "Serves you right for trusting a stranger," said the conductor. "But he said he was able to double my cash," protested Mr. Post. "I've got to have it back. It will ruin me to lose it." "Here it is," said Nat, who, with the other boys, had donned his clothes. He thought matters had gone far enough. "We had it for safe keeping," he explained. "Well douse my safety lamp! Where did you get it?" asked Mr. Post, his eyes big with wonder. Nat explained briefly, telling how he and his chums had watched Professor Punjab, and had fooled him. "Say, you boys are all to the good!" exclaimed the miner. "Saved my money for me, that's what you did. I didn't know I could be so foolish until I tried. Well, it will take a slick one to beat me again." Mr. Post began counting over his roll. Meanwhile the other passengers had gathered around, and the story became generally known. "Smart lads, them," commented an elderly man. "Ought to get a reward." "And that's what they will, too," put in the miner, overhearing the words. "Nobody can say Josh Post forgot a good action. Here's a couple of hundred for you." "No, thanks," said Nat firmly, and his companions shook their heads. "We can't take money for that. Besides, it was pay enough to fool the professor. We've had dealings with him before." Mr. Post tried to force the money on the boys, but they refused to listen to him, and he finally understood that there was a higher standard than cash to repay kindness. "Then shake hands!" he cried heartily, and the boys were almost sorry they consented, for the miner's grip was anything but a light one. However, he showed how much in earnest he was. "I'll never forget you boys," he said. "Josh Post never forgets a favor, and if ever you want a friend just you call on me." The boys thought little of this at the time, but there was an occasion when they remembered it and profited by it. The excitement over, the boys went to breakfast. Mr. Post insisted on going with them, and in fact he did not seem to want the boys out of his sight. He was continually referring to his narrow escape at the hands of the fake professor. The boys got to like him better as the hours passed, for he showed that he had a good heart, beneath a rather rough and repelling exterior.