The Major appeared to be in doubt as to the wisdom of this, but
before he could say anything Alan continued:

"Couple up whenever you want to, Mr. Conductor, we'll be ready," and
he sprang out of the car, his face set with determination.

By that time the throbbing engine had silently moved up next the car
and two grimy depot men with smoky torches had swung off the
footboard to make the connections.

"Got to know," repeated the sympathetic conductor. "Only five
minutes." He looked at the Major for the final word.

The latter peered down the long almost vacant platform. There was
no one in sight but the late arrivals being helped aboard the cars
in the far end of the station. Then he gave another look of appeal
at his own watch as if in doubt what to say. To send a special car
half way across the continent was no inexpensive project. And to
send it without the person or the precious material that it was
intended seemed not only a waste of money but foolish. Although the
anxious man had both confidence and nerve it could be seen that he
was in a quandary.

"Five minutes," exclaimed the railway official. "Does she go or
stay?"

Before the man could answer, Alan faced him and with a hand on the
Major's arm exclaimed:

"Ned will be here, he can't fail; tell him we're going."