Denny read the brief letter, all the while with one eye upon the intruder. He had no doubt of Nick’s identity, however, after reading the missive and seeing the familiar handwriting of the railway president. “By Jove, you gave me a disagreeable surprise to start with, Mr. Carter, but this more than makes up for it,” he said heartily, placing the letter and weapon upon the table and extending his hand. “Good enough,” Nick replied, entering and shaking hands with him. “I can, indeed, guess why you are here,” Denny added. “It is something in connection with your efforts to run down the railway bandits. I at first thought you were one of them.” “Quite naturally, Denny, I’m sure,” smiled the detective. “I know you are in the employ of the road, of course, since you cornered Jim Reardon and sent him after his victim. But what’s your mission here to-night? How can I be of any help to you?” Nick knew that he could safely confide in him, and he then briefly informed him of the circumstances and of the steps he was taking to prevent the suspected robbery. “I wish to board the express car without incurring suspicions, Denny, in case any of the gang are on the watch during this last stop of the train, before the job is to be attempted,” Nick proceeded to explain. “I can do so, all right, by pretending to be a track hand and in the employ of the road. No observer seeing me come down from the signal tower would think it strange for me to board the car as if to ride to Shelby.” “Surely not,” Denny quickly agreed. “That frequently occurs. You look the part to the letter, too, Mr. Carter.” “I wish to be with Cady in the car during the run,” Nick added. “I will, I think, show these bandits that their knavery will be far from a walk-over.” “No doubt,” said Denny, smiling. “You’ll find Cady all right, too, and game to the core. He’s one man in a thousand.” “So Burdick informed me.” “No one has anything on Cady.” “Can you consistently leave the tower after the train arrives?” “Yes, indeed, while the engine is taking water. I nearly always have dispatches to take down.” “Capital! Go down with me to the express car, then, and pretend that you know me to be a track hand and that I have a right to ride with Cady. I wish to get into the car without any display of opposition on his part.” “I’ll fix you, Mr. Carter, as far as that goes.” “And that is all I will require of you,” said Nick. “I will explain to Cady after the train leaves here. How soon is it due?” “In about five minutes,” said Denny, glancing at a clock on the wall. “I’ll slip on my coat and be ready to go down with you.” “Very good,” Nick said approvingly. “Pay no attention to any persons who may be on the platform, or step from the train during the stop. An inquisitive stare might cause misgivings.” “I’m wise, Mr. Carter,” Denny assured him. “I’ll do precisely as if I knew nothing about this deviltry. I’m over seven, you know, and——”