"I fear so," assented Bart gravely. "The explosion was so sudden, and my
father was blinded, so there was no opportunity to close it. I tried to
reach it after rescuing him, but the flames drove me back."

Mr. Leslie was silent for a few moments. He seemed to be thinking. His
glance roamed speculatively about the place, taking in the layout
critically, then finally Bart was conscious that his shrewd, burrowing
eyes were scanning him closely.

"How old are you, Stirling?" asked the superintendent abruptly.

"Nearly nineteen."

"I suppose you know something about the routine here?"

"I have helped my father a little for the past month or two--yes, sir."

"And have improved your opportunities, judging from the common-sense way
you have got things into temporary running order," commented Leslie.

The speaker took out his watch. Then, glancing through the doorway, he
arose suddenly, with the words:

"Ah! there he is, now. I suppose you couldn't be here about four o'clock
this afternoon?"

"Why, certainly," answered Bart promptly. "People are likely to be
around making inquiries, and I have a delivery to make this afternoon,
as I told you, sir."