"Say," he observed, "I've found out nothing, and old Ames took the package away from me."
"What did he say?" asked the young fireman.
"He told me he would see that it was returned to the person who sent it."
"That delays matters," thought Ralph, "and I don't know whether Ames will take it back to the silk thieves, or wait for some of them to visit him."
Then the young fireman formed a sudden resolution. He regarded his companion thoughtfully, and said:
"Zeph, I am going to trust you with what is known as an official secret in the railroad line."
The farmer boy looked pleased and interested.
"I believe you are too square and friendly to betray that secret."
"Try me, and see!" cried Zeph with ardor.
"Well," said Ralph, "there was a silk robbery of the Dover night freight last week, the train I am fireman on. From what you have told me, I feel sure that the thieves hired their rig from Ames. That package you had was part of the stolen plunder. I am acting for the road detective of the Great Northern, and I must locate those robbers."
"Then," cried Zeph delightedly, "I am helping you do detective work."
