“An’ now I guess I’d better take you away,” she added. “You’ll be excitin’ the boy too much.” “Oh, nonsense!” Allan cried. “Exciting me, indeed! Don’t you see I’m a hundred per cent. better—there never was such medicine. Take her away, and I’ll go into a decline right off!” “Well, I’ll leave her, then,” said Mary; “but mind you take your medicine!” And she went out and closed the door after her. Mamie came back and sat down by the bedside. “I’ve got a lot to learn, you know, Allan,” she began seriously. “There’s the cooking—” “Why, you’re a splendid cook.” “Not nearly so good as mummy. And I wouldn’t have you miss her cooking.” “Why, I won’t miss anything, you little goose, if I have you. I’ll have to look for a house. There’s a new one going up right back on Second street—it looks pretty nice—” But just then, his instrument began to call him. “There’s Mr. Schofield,” he said, and answered, as Mamie handed the board up to him. “How are you?” was the first question. “Coming along fine,” Allan answered. “Will be out in a day or two.” “That’s great. We need you. Things here are in pretty bad shape, but I’m hoping they will calm down. All the trouble is caused by a lot of loafers, and I’m trying to find out who it is that’s behind them. You heard about the fire at the stock-yards?” “Yes, Stanley told me.” “We’ve got the men who did that, and intend to put them through, but I’m sure there’s somebody back of them, and we’re trying to get a confession.” “Do you think it’s the strikers?” “No; or if it is, it’s a gang of the less scrupulous ones.” “That’s what Stanley thinks. He says Bassett’s at the head of it.” “That’s a good idea—worth working on, anyway. Suppose you tell Stanley to have one of his best men keep an eye on Bassett. If he starts for Cincinnati, let me know and I’ll have him shadowed at this end. How are things at Wadsworth?” “Stanley was just here and reported everything quiet. He says he’s worried, though, by a lot of tough-looking strangers who have showed up recently in the depot saloons.” “Well, don’t take any chances. Swear in all the deputies you need. And keep everybody out of the yards.” “I’ve already ordered that. Have we men enough to run the trains?” “We’re a little short, but there’s another squad coming on from the east to-night. There have been a lot here looking for jobs, but I’m afraid to hire them. Don’t hire anybody at Wadsworth, unless you’re sure of them. We must hold our men together. I think the strikers are getting tired and another week will see the end of it.” “I hope so.” “The only thing I’m afraid of and want to guard against is a flare-up at the end. And that’s what I want you to watch for and try to prevent. Some of the young fire-eaters may feel so sore when they know they’ve lost the strike that they’ll try to take it out on us.” “All right; and I’ll get out myself just as soon as I can.”