His face still aglow with happiness, Harry Hazelton bounded off to his tent. Tom called to one of the men to saddle two horses, and then followed. “You’re going back to the construction camp?” inquired Mr. Newnham, looking in at the doorway. “As fast as horses can take us, sir,” Tom replied, as he whipped out a clean flannel shirt and drew it over his head. “I’m going with you,” replied Mr. Newnham. “You’ll ride fast, if you go with us, sir,” called Tom. “I can stand it, if you can, Reade. Your enthusiasm and speed are ‘catching,’” replied the president, with a laugh, as he started off to give orders about his horse. “If the president is going with us, then we’ll have to take two of Dave Fulsbee’s men with us,” mused Tom aloud to his chum. “It would never do to have our president captured just before we’re ready to open the road to traffic.” The orders were accordingly given. Tom then appointed one of the chainmen to command the camp until the construction gang came up. Just seven minutes after he had given the first order, Tom Reade was in saddle. Hazelton was seated on another horse some thirty seconds afterward. The two railroad detectives rode forward, halting near by, and all waited for Mr. Newnham. Nor did the president of the S.B. & L. delay them long. During his weeks in camp in the Rockies the man from Broadway had learned something of the meaning of the word “hustle.” As the party started Tom ordered one of the detectives to ride two hundred yards in advance of the party, the other the same distance to the rear. “Set a good pace, and keep it,” called Tom along the trail. Shortly after dark the party reached the construction camp, which now numbered about five hundred men. Assistant Chief Engineer Howe appeared more than a little astonished when he learned that Tom Reade was the actual chief engineer of the road. However, the man who had been in charge so far of the construction work made no fuss about being supplanted. “Show me what part of the work you want me to handle,” offered Howe, “and you’ll find me right with you, Mr. Reade.” “Thank you,” responded Tom, holding out his hand. “I’m glad you feel no jealousy or resentment. There’s just one thing in life for all of us, now, and that is to win the fight.” Howe produced the plans and reports, and the three---for Hazelton was of their number---sat up until long after midnight laying out plans for pushing the work faster and harder. At four in the morning, while it was still dark, Tom was up again. He sat at the desk, going over the work once more until half past five o’clock. Then he called Harry and Howe, and the trio of chiefs had a hurried breakfast together. At six in the morning Mr. Newnham appeared, just in time to find Tom and Harry getting into saddle. “Not going to stay behind and sit in an easy chair this morning, Reade?” called the president. “Not this, or any other morning, sir,” Tom replied. “You amaze me!”