"Mr. _Bradford_, did you say?"

"Well, yes. He's only Jim Bradford out here, where we are in a hurry,
but he'll be Mr. Bradford in Boston, and the biggest man in town when he
gets back."

All nervousness had gone from Bradford, and he looked steadily into the
strong face before him.

"Jim Bradford," the millionnaire repeated, still holding the engineer's
hand.

"Yes, Judge Manning, I'm Jim Bradford," said the bearded pathfinder,
trying to smile and appear natural.

Suddenly realizing that some explanation was due the General, the Judge
turned and said, but without releasing the engineer's hand: "Why, I know
this young man--knew his father. We were friends from boyhood."

Slowly he returned his glance to Bradford. "Will you come into my car in
an hour from now?" he asked.

"Thank you," said Bradford, nodding, and with a quick, simultaneous
pressure of hands, the two men parted.


VI

Bradford has often since felt grateful to the Judge for that five years'
sentence, but never has he forgotten the happy thought that prompted the