"I do not! I believe he came here with the intention of throwing himself under a train, or at least allowing himself to be struck by one. I believe he wrote a note of farewell, and pinned it in his pocket so it wouldn't get lost. Just see how queer he acted! No one would stay on the track the way he did, with two trains coming, unless he had it in mind to get hurt. No, Dick, you can say what you like, but I believe your going up when you did, and talking to him, saved his life." "Well, I'd like to think that I did that for a fellow being, Paul; but I still can't admit it." "It's true, whether you admit it or not. You saved his life, and some day you'll know it, or I'm mistaken." "Oh, nonsense!" "No nonsense at all. You'll see. That man was at the end of his rope--he was all in. He was in despair, and he wasn't a common sort, either. He comes of a good family, I can see that. And the way you talked to him, just at the right moment--saying this was a pretty good old world after all--you saved his life, Dick--at least for a time." "Get out!" But in spite of his denial Dick felt glad that he had done what he had. And it was not until some time after that he learned what really had taken place. Under strange circumstances he was to meet that man again. CHAPTER II UNCLE EZRA "Quiet, Grit! What's the matter, old fellow?" "He seems to think some one is in our room," said Paul Drew. He and Dick had returned from their walk, Grit resplendent in a new, brass-studded collar, and the dog had shown signs of resentful excitement on nearing the door of the room where the two chums lodged. "I wonder----?" began Dick, and then, as he opened the door, and saw a rather grizzled man standing near the window--a man with a queer little tuft of whiskers on his chin--Dick exclaimed: "Uncle Ezra!" "Yes, Nephew Richard. I am here. I got through my business sooner than I expected and came over." "I'm glad you did, Uncle Ezra. Quiet, Grit, or I'll send you to the stable," for the dog was uttering low growls, and sidling closer and closer to the aged man, who still remained standing. It might be noticed that our hero did not say that he was glad to see his uncle. He was not, and he did not believe in saying what was not so, even to be polite. "Have you got that savage cur still?" demanded Mr. Larabee, while he bowed slightly in response to a salutation from Paul. "I expect to have Grit for a long time yet," replied his nephew, coldly. "Though if he annoys you I'll have him taken away," and he pushed a button on the wall. "He does annoy me! You know I can't abide dogs. Useless critters, eatin' almost as much as a man, all covered with fleas, and no good anyhow! Send him away!"