Gordon walked nervously up and down the grass at the side of the track, looking anxiously each way for sign of the wrecking train. The thought of Julia did occur to him, but he put it impatiently away, for he knew just how poorly Julia would bear a delay on a journey even in his company. He had been with her once when the engine got off the track on a short trip down to a Virginia house-party, and she was the most impatient creature alive, although it mattered not one whit to any of the rest of the party whether they made merry on the train or at their friend’s house. And yet, if Julia were anything at all to him, would not he like the thought of her companionship now? A great white dog hobbled up to him and fawned upon him as he turned to go back to the train, and he laid his hand kindly upon the animal’s head, and noted the wistful eyes upon his face. He was a noble dog, and Gordon stood for a moment fondling him. Then he turned impatiently and tramped back to his car again. But when he reached the steps he found that the dog had followed him. Gordon frowned, half in annoyance, half in amusement, and sitting down on a log by the wayside he took the dog’s pink nozzle into his hands, caressing the white fur above it gently. The dog whined happily, and Gordon meditated. How long would the train wait? Would he miss getting to New York in time for the dinner? Would he miss the chance to rise in his chief’s good graces? The chief would expect him to get to New York some other way if the train were delayed. How long ought he to wait on possibilities? All at once he saw the conductor and trainmen coming back hurriedly. Evidently the train was about to start. With a final kindly stroke of the white head, he called a workman nearby, handed him half a dollar to hold the dog, and sprang on board. He had scarcely settled himself into his chair, however, before the dog came rushing up the aisle from the other end of the car, and precipitated himself muddily and noisily upon him. With haste and perturbation Gordon hurried the dog to the door and tried to fling him off, but the poor creature pulled back and clung to the platform yelping piteously. Just then the conductor came from the other car and looked at him curiously. “No dogs allowed in these cars,” he said gruffly. “Well, if you know how to enforce that rule I wish you would,” said Gordon. “I’m sure I don’t know what to do with him.” “Where has he been since you left Washington?” asked the grim conductor with suspicion in his eyes. “I certainly haven’t had him secreted about me, a dog of that size,” remarked the young man dryly. “Besides, he isn’t my dog. I never saw him before till he followed me at the station. I’m as anxious to be rid of him as he is to stay.” The conductor eyed the young man keenly, and then allowed a grim sense of humor to appear in one corner of his mouth. “Got a chain or a rope for him?” he asked more sympathetically.