The Placida, their
special car, came to a stop at the far end of the station train
shed, and, covered with dust as it was, and almost hidden among
hissing engines and baggage and express cars, there seemed little
reason for it to attract attention. Of course it was not ignored by
the railway officials. No sooner was the train at rest than the
depot master and the division superintendent were knocking at the
door. They had special orders concerning the car, and immediately
wheels and brakes were being tested and ice and water were being
taken aboard.
The railway officials made a quick inspection of the car, asked if
anything was needed, and were soon gone. A few minutes after they
had left a young man suddenly appeared, dodging among the cars. He
sprang on to the rear step of the Placida, but before he could enter
the car, the door of which had been left open by the departing
officials, the vigilant form of Elmer Grissom blocked his way.
"Who's in charge here?" demanded the stranger. "I'm a reporter and
want to see him in a hurry."
The railway officials had been admitted through the baggage portion
of the car, but Elmer knew that this way was not open to everyone.
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