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Page 6
"We're somewhat secretive--yes, sir," Tom replied. "That is only
because we regard the method we are going to use as being mainly the
concern of the A., G. & N. M. No offense meant, sir, either."
"No offense taken," replied the late questioner.
Tom had already, within a few minutes, made an excellent impression on
the majority of these Arizona men present.
As to the other newcomer, who had lately spoken so warmly of the
Colthwaite Company, he was now silent, apparently greatly absorbed in a
three-days-old newspaper that he had picked up. Yet he managed to cast
more than one covert glance at the boys.
"I have heard both of you young men spoken of most warmly, as real
engineers who are going to solve the problem of the Man-killer,"
declared Clarence Farnsworth, as, alighting from the barber's chair, he
strolled past the pair.
"Thank you," nodded Tom, with all his usual simple good nature.
"If you make a successful job of it is will be a splendid thing for you
in your professional careers," continued Farnsworth, rather aimlessly.
"Undoubtedly," nodded Harry.
The stranger who had held so much converse with Jim Duff was through
with the barber at last. Though the day was scorchingly hot in this
desert town, the stranger stepped along briskly until he had reached the
hotel.
The Mansion House would scarcely have measured up to the hotel standards
of large cities. Yet it was a very good hotel, indeed, for this part of
Arizona, and the proprietor did all in his power for the comfort of his
guests.
As the stranger ascended the steps to the broad porch he caught sight of
Jim Duff, approaching the doorway from the inside.
"Oh, how do you do?" was Duff's greeting. "Hot, isn't it?"
"Very," nodded the stranger.
"I usually have my luncheon in my room, which is large and airy,"
continued Duff. "As I dislike to eat alone, I have ordered the table
spread for two. I shall be very glad of your company, stranger, if you
care to honor me."
"That is kind of you," nodded the other. "I shall accept with much
pleasure, for I, too, like to eat in good company."
After a little more conversation the two ascended to Duff's room on the
next floor. Certainly it was the largest and most comfortable guest
room in the hotel, and was furnished in good taste. The main apartment
was set as a gentlemen's lounging room, Duff's bedroom furniture being
in a little room at the rear.
Hardly had Duff pressed the bell button before there came a tap at the
door. One waiter brought in a table for two, with the napery. This he
quickly arranged. As he turned toward the door two other waiters
entered with dishes containing a dainty meal for a hot day.
"You may arrange everything and then leave us, John," directed Duff.
Soon the two new acquaintances were alone together, the gambler serving
the light meal with considerable grace.
"How long have you been with the Colthwaite Company?" asked Jim Duff
presently.
"I didn't say that I had ever been with the Colthwaite Company," smiled
the stranger.
"No," admitted the gambler; "but I took that much for granted."
Again the eyes of the two men met in an exchange of keen looks, Then the
stranger laughed.
"Mr. Duff, I realize that it is a waste of time to try to conceal rather
evident facts from you. I am Frederick Ransom, a special agent for the
Colthwaite Company."
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