than usually volcanic frame of mind.

Now Winton, though new to the business of building railroads for the
Utah Short Line, was not new to Denver or Colorado. Hence when the
Rajah, followed by his secretarial shadow, had left the office, Winton
spoke to the operator as to a friend.

"What is the matter with Mr. Darrah, Tom? He seems to be uncommonly
vindictive this morning."

The man of dots and dashes nodded.

"He's always crankier this time than he was the other. He's a holy
terror, the Rajah is. I wouldn't work on his road for a farm down
East--not if my job took me within cussing distance of him. Bet a hen
worth fifty dollars he is up in Mr. Colbert's office right now,
raising particular sand because his special engine wasn't standing
here ready to snatch his private car on the fly, so's to go on without
losing headway."

Winton frowned thoughtfully, and he let his writing hand pause while
he said, "So he travels special from Denver, does he?"

"On his own road?--well, I should smile. Nothing is too good for the
Rajah; or too quick, when he happens to be in a hurry. I wonder he
didn't have the T. C. pull him special from Kansas City."

Winton handed in his batch of telegrams and went his way reflective.

What was Mr. Somerville Darrah's particular rush? As set forth by