The quaver in Bob's voice, however, had reached the ears of the station master, and he asked kindly:
"How far were you going?"
"To Fairfax, Oklahoma."
With the evident purpose of reassuring Bob, the station master said:
"Oh, well, it will only make the difference of twelve hours or so in reaching Fairfax. There's another train goes through at four o'clock this afternoon."
"It isn't the delay I mind," returned Bob, "but the conductor has my pass!"
"You travelling on a pass?" exclaimed another incredulously, as though unable to reconcile Bob's shabby apparel with the possession of such a privileged means of transportation.
"My, that is bad," mused the station master. "But don't worry. I'll have word telegraphed to the conductor to leave your pass with the agent at Kansas City, and you can get it there. Come with me, and we'll see about sending the message."
"But how shall I get to Kansas City without any ticket?" asked Bob, as he accompanied his new-found friend into the station. "I only have a few dollars, which I shall need when I get to Fairfax. I suppose it would cost a lot to buy a ticket?"
