_Witness_, for about ten minutes."

"Holding the newspaper in front of my face, I suppose? Well, it's
rather an unusual request and I must know a little more. If there's a
detective on your trail and you expect me to hold his attention while
you hide or try to jump off the train, I must refuse."

The stranger smiled. "I've wired for the police to meet me at Ottawa;
the trouble is that I mayn't get there. Time won't allow of a long
explanation, but there are men on board who'd stop at nothing to
prevent my arrival. In fact, to some extent, I'm putting my life in
your hands."

Foster looked at him, surprised. He had not expected an adventure of
this kind on a Canadian Pacific train, but did not think the other was
exaggerating.

"How many men?" he asked.

"I've seen one, but know there are more."

"Then why not tell the conductor and have the train searched?"

"It wouldn't work. I might find one enemy, but I'd warn the others
that I was on my guard, and to let them think I suspect no danger is
the best chance I have. The conductor's making his way up the train,
and I'm going to see if he can get me into the express car. It's the
only safe place; the clerks are armed. Well, my business is lawful and
in the public interest, and I take it you're a patriotic citizen."