We are in luck this morning,
Teddy Tucker. I suppose I should be sorry for our rivals.
But it is the chance of war. We all have to take them in
the show business."
"We do," answered Teddy sagely. "At least the other fellow does.
When are they coming in?"
"About noon, I understand. I should think someone would lose his
job for that piece of carelessness. If it were my car that had
been laid out there would be trouble; I can assure you of that."
"Yes; I wouldn't stand for a mean trick like that myself."
Phil stroked his chin and surveyed Teddy thoughtfully. Light was
beginning to dawn upon him. All at once he recalled his
companion's questions about the air brake pipes the night before.
He fixed his gaze upon Teddy Tucker's scowling face.
"Young man, do you know anything about those cars breaking away?"
demanded Phil sternly.
"I understand they broke away--don't you know that the train
broke in two?"
"Yes," answered Phil dryly; "I have heard something to
that effect."
Phil stepped over to examine the coupling of his own car, Teddy
watching him furtively.
"What I want to know is how it happened," continued Phil.
"Why don't you ask the train crew? They ought to know."
"I'll ask you instead. You uncoupled those cars, didn't you?"
Teddy nodded slowly, his eyes on the ground.
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