"They had no means of breaking open the strong safes quickly, and dropped them all down the well near the old deserted hut in Eagle Pass, intending to return later when the chase was over and rifle them at their leisure." "Yes, that was the real gold mine Rivers boasted about," submitted Ralph. "We have secured a list of all the 'suspicious' men among the telegraphers," continued Adair. "They will trouble us no further with delays, smash-ups and cut wires. Chief Dispatcher Fairbanks has already cleared the service, and the Great Northern can go on its way smoothly." There was one favor Ralph asked before the conference broke up. This was that the fireman who had helped him in the record run of the California fruit special be remembered. It was granted, and the honest fellow was given a promotion. "On the side, Fairbanks," said the road officer, familiarly linking Ralph's arm as they left the office of the general superintendent, "I wish to express a change of opinion on one subject." "What is that, Mr. Adair?" inquired Ralph. "Glen Palmer." "You have seen him?" asked Ralph with interest. "Yes, and you will see him, too, as soon as he is pardoned, which will be within twenty-four hours, if the influence of the Great Northern counts for anything. He is a noble young fellow." "I thought that all along." "I didn't, and I am ashamed of myself for the sentiment. He is no thief, and never was a thief." "Not even--" "The department store episode? No. He was trying to escape from the conspirators, who pressed him closely. He found himself stranded without a penny in an unfriendly town. In order to get the money to place his aged relative in a position of safety, he pretended to take the jewelry we know about so his grandfather could claim the ten dollars reward and carry out their plans." "I am truly glad to hear this," said Ralph warmly. "And the convict portrait Ike Slump had?" "Is really that of a cousin very much resembling Glen. He was the cause of Glen's wanderings and troubles. He was a sad scamp, but his health is broken. He escaped from jail, and Glen was willing to shoulder his identity until he got safely out of the country, where he now is trying to redeem his broken past." "What of the old grandfather, Mr. Adair?" "Glen wishes to repurchase the chicken farm. He loves the business. His grandfather is at heart a harmless old man, and Glen believes would soon forget his vagaries and settle down to a happy life." "They shall have all the help I can give them," promised Ralph heartily. Adair accompanied Ralph as far as the dispatcher's office. Glidden had preceded them. He just sat down at the operating table when a click at his instrument caused first trick man, second trick man, copy operator and Ralph himself to listen attentively.