"for I'm due for a special to the city. Big case from the General Superintendent."
Ralph rapidly related all he had learned. Adair listened intently. He reflected for a moment or two after the young fireman had finished his recital. Then he said:
"Fairbanks, this is of great importance, but I can't neglect the city case. You helped me on another similar case once."
"Yes," said Ralph.
"Also aided me in running down those switch tower wreckers."
Ralph nodded.
"Good work, and you did nobly in those affairs. Let me think. Yes, I'll do it! Here, I want you to go straight to the Assistant Superintendent at Afton."
"You mean to-night?"
"Right away. I will give you a letter. No, hold on, I've got a better plan."
Again Adair consulted his watch. Bustlingly he hurried through with his preparations for departure. Then he left the house, swung down the street briskly, and, Ralph accompanying him, proceeded to the railroad depot.
He wrote out a long telegram and handed it to the night operator. Then he came back to Ralph.
"See here, Fairbanks," he remarked. "I've
