He understood the need of secrecy, and politely forcing the reporter
out of the door on to the platform he led him to the front of the
car.
"If you'll give me yo' card," he then said with dignity, "I'll take
it in, sah."
As he was about to do so, Ned and Alan emerged from the car for a
few mouthfuls of fresh air.
"Hey!" exclaimed the impatient young man, "I'd like to see the man
in charge of this car. It's important and I'm in a hurry. I'm a
reporter for the Comet."
The boys smiled.
"We are in charge," answered Ned. "What can we do for you?"
The reporter seemed taken somewhat aback at seeing two youngsters
directing a special car. His bearing changed at once.
"I've been sent to get a story about where you are going and what
you are going to do," he said with a little more consideration;
"that is, if you care to tell."
Ned puckered up his lips and thought. He had met reporters before
and he knew what a "story" meant.
"I think we don't care to say," he replied in a moment. He did not
even care to say it was a secret. Even that admission, he knew,
would be a basis for something that might interfere with his plans,
"Our correspondent in Chicago says you left there last evening with
a carload of new and powerful explosives.
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