them a real welcome." Doubtless this intelligence had already been flashed to Carter's headquarters. No, Speedy was convinced, Carter's next move would be of a subtler character and hence more to be feared.
Speedy was not afraid. He would glory in another open battle. But he did not fancy possible strategy in the dark on the part of his shrewd antagonist. He had a vague feeling that somehow Jane was in danger, that, while he was away on the car, Carter's cohorts might do something to her. He wished Pop Dillon was back. He had had no answer to his wire to Pop and he was worried. If Pop were there to look after Jane, then Speedy could go out to do battle with a light heart.
Moreover, Pop's wise head would be useful. The old man was nobody's fool. He was a seasoned veteran of many a rough and tumble battle. What was detaining him up there in Connecticut? Had something sinister happened to him at the hands of Carter's agents? Speedy thought of sending Jane up to find out. No, that wouldn't do. She might be walking into a trap.
Amid these confused and troubled thoughts Speedy worked out one resolution. He would make at least one trip with the car as early as possible the next morning. Then he would travel uptown, see a responsible official of the Inter-City Railways and frankly ask them if they were interested in acquiring the Crosstown franchise. If by any chance they were, he would secure their offer and wire it to Pop Dillon with a strong demand that Pop either accept
