CHAPTER XIV
A SERIOUS PLOT
"Who stopped this train—and why?"
Dreamily returning to consciousness, these were the first words that reached Ralph Fairbanks' rallying consciousness. They were spoken by the conductor of the accommodation train sharply. The locomotive was at a standstill, and, staring wonderingly, the conductor stood by the side of the tender.
"I did," answered a prompt voice, and removing his hand from the lever, the boy whom the young engineer had known as Marvin Clark drifted before his vision.
"Hello!" exclaimed the conductor, "I've seen you before. You're the fellow who caught the train at Riverton just as she left—had a free pass."
"Never mind me, Mr. Conductor," responded the other rapidly. "I'm thinking they need some attention," and he pointed to the fireman, lying
