"Three days," I replied unhesitatingly, drawing the reins through my
hands.

"Like it?"

"Well, I 've had worse and better," with a laugh. "I prefer this to my
last one."

"What was that?"

"Ridin' blind baggage."

It was his turn to laugh, and he did so.

"I thought I was not mistaken," he said at last, sobering. "You are
the same lad the train hands put off the Atlantic Express at Vernon a
week ago."

I nodded, beginning to suspect him of being a fly-cop who had spotted
me for a pull.

"I never noticed the name of the burg," I returned. "Why? were you
there?"

"Yes, I came in on the same train. Just caught a glimpse of your face
in the light of the brakeman's lantern. How did you get here?"

"Freight, two hours later."