"No; he seemed all unstrung. But he kept his head. He was reporting the accident and asking for orders when I got to the office." "Good; I hope he wasn't to blame--though the setting of the train-signal at the last instant looks bad." "Yes," assented Mr. Schofield, "it does." "Of course, I'm sorry for the boy; but if he was at fault, not even all he has done for the road can--can--" "No," broke in Mr. Schofield, curtly; "I know it can't. Don't be afraid. I'll go to the bottom of the matter, regardless of who is hurt. I'll fix the blame." The superintendent nodded without replying. Both men were more moved than they cared to show. For they were fond of the boy and had been very proud of him. Mr. Heywood glanced at his watch, saw that it pointed to 7.18, and gave the signal to the conductor. And as the train pulled away, Mr. Schofield started slowly back toward the shanty. The task before him was about the most unpleasant that he had ever faced. But his countenance was impassive and composed as he mounted the steps to the door. CHAPTER XIII PROBING THE MYSTERY Allan had recovered somewhat from the nervous shock the threatened accident had given him, and was receiving a message as Mr. Schofield entered. The latter paused a moment to look at him--at the handsome, honest, boyish face; the broad and open brow bespeaking intelligence and character, the mouth firm beyond his years, the eyes steady and fearless; and as he looked, a weight seemed to drop from his heart. Whoever was to blame, he knew instinctively that it was not Allan West. He sat down with an audible sigh of relief, and got out a cigar and lighted it. A moment later, Allan repeated the message, closed his key and looked up with a smile. Mr. Schofield had proved himself a friend tried and true, and one upon whom he knew he could rely. "Well," said the trainmaster, answering the smile, "I've come to find out how it all happened. Suppose you tell me the story." Allan passed his hand quickly across his eyes. "I really know very little," he began. "I came on duty at the usual time, and took an order or two. Then I heard the operator at Hamden report the special. I knew it would be here in a few minutes, and as I had no order for it--" "You're sure there _was_ no order for it?" interrupted Mr. Schofield. "Yes, sir; I had just looked over the orders on the hook. So I went to the door to be sure the signal showed a clear track." "It _did_ show a clear track, did it?" "Yes, sir. I stood there a moment longer; and then I heard the special coming and saw its light flash around the curve. I watched it coming--it must have been running nearly a mile a minute." "It was--all of it," said Mr. Schofield. "Well, it was almost at the switch, when I heard another engine chug-chugging up the grade from West Junction. I don't remember clearly just what I did for the next moment or two--I have a sort of recollection that I jerked the signal over and then I heard a shot--"