The work went on at a lively pace, Phil urging his men to greater
efforts, momentarily expecting to see the canary and red cars
come rolling into town.
But no cars came. The next train from the direction Phil had
come was not due until nearly noon, the road being a branch road
with little traffic over it.
After a time Phil strolled down to the railroad station.
"Any news?" he asked.
"Yes," answered the operator. "They have found the cars."
"Where?"
"It seems they broke away from the train during the night and lay
on the main track until morning. One of the crew walked back ten
miles to the next station to ask for an engine to pull them out.
They will be here on the next train."
"Funny the train crew did not discover that when they put us on
the siding here. I do not quite understand it yet?" Phil walked
slowly back to his own car, thinking deeply.
CHAPTER XIX
PHIL'S DARING PLAN
Teddy was sitting on the platform of Car Three narrowly watching
Phil as he approached.
"Anything doing?" he asked.
"Yes."
"What is it--have you heard from the opposition?"
"Yes. It seems their cars broke away from us during the night,
and lay all night on the main track miles from anywhere."
"You don't say!" exclaimed Teddy, in well feigned surprise.
"That is what happened.
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