"She seems so grateful to you for having saved her life," Mrs. Fairbanks told Ralph, "and so glad, she told me, that her husband had signed the pledge, that she takes the fire quite reasonably." "Yes," remarked Ralph, "I heard about the pledge, and it is a blessed thing. I have other grand news, too. There's a lot of good fellows in Stanley Junction, and the Foggs won't be long without a shelter over their heads," and Ralph told his mother all about the subscription list and the moving picture show benefit. "You are a grand manager, Ralph," said the fond mother. "I am only too glad to do my share in making these people welcome and comfortable." "You know how to do it, mother," declared Ralph, "that's sure." "It seems as if things came about just right to take in the Foggs," spoke Mrs. Fairbanks. "Limpy Joe went back to his restaurant on the Short Line yesterday, and Zeph Dallas has left, looking for a new job, he says, so we have plenty of spare rooms for our guests." Ralph started for the ruined Fogg homestead to see if he could be of any use there. He came upon Fogg moving some furniture to the barn of a neighbor on a hand-cart. The fireman dropped the handles as he saw Ralph. His face worked with vivid emotion as he grasped the hand of the young railroader. "Fairbanks," he said, "what can I say to you except that you have been the best friend I have ever known!" "Nothing, except to make up your mind that the friendship will last if you want to suit me." "Honest--honest?" urged Fogg, the tears in his eyes, earnestly regarding Ralph's face. "You don't despise me?" "Oh, yes, we all dislike you, Mr. Fogg!" railed Ralph, with a hearty laugh. "The master mechanic has such bitter animosity for you, that he's taking his revenge by circulating a subscription list to help build you a new home." "Never!" gasped Fogg, overcome. "What's more," proceeded Ralph, in the same ironical tone, "the men down at the roundhouse have such a deep grudge against you, that they are following his example." "I don't deserve it--I don't deserve it!" murmured the fireman. "Why, even the new moving picture showman is so anxious to throw you down, that he's going to give you a benefit Saturday evening." "I guess I'm the wickedest and happiest man in the world," said Fogg, in a subdued tone. "You ought to be the happiest, after that little memoranda you gave to the master mechanic," suggested Ralph. "The pledge? Yes!" cried the fireman, "and I mean to keep it, too. He told you about it?" "And everything else necessary to tell," replied Ralph. "It's all settled. He says you and I ought to make a strong team. Let's try, hard, Mr. Fogg." "Lad, I'll show you!" declared Fogg solemnly. "All right, then say no more about it, and let us get these traps under cover, and get home to enjoy a famous meal my mother is preparing for all hands."