"Well, I reckon your right, all silver, too heavy and don't amount to
much."

As he was talking, the whistle of the engine suddenly sound two short
notes, and the air-brakes were applied.

The train stopped, and the noise of men walking on the gravel was heard.

As Fotheringham lay there, his ears strained to catch every sound, and
hoping for the help that never came, his heart gave a joyful throb, as
some one pounded noisily on the door. Almost at the same instant he felt
the cold muzzle of a revolver against his head, and the ominous "click,
click" was more eloquent than threats or words could be.

The pounding ceased, and in a short time the train moved on again.

Apparently not satisfied that the messenger was bound safe and fast,
Cummings took the companion strap to the one which pinioned the feet of
his victim, and passing it around his neck, fastened it to the handle of
the safe in such a way that any extra exertion on Fotheringham's part
would pull the safe over and choke him.

Opening the car door, he threw away the clothing which he had taken from
his valise.

Returning to the messenger, he stooped over him, and took from his
pocket the forged letter with which he gained entrance to the car.

Fotheringham tried to speak, but the gag permitted nothing but a