Be on time and say nothing. How far is it to the
next town?"
"Nigh onto twenty-five miles."
"All right. That's all. I will have your tickets ready for you
when you come on in the morning. Good night, if I don't see you
again until then."
All hands save Phil and Teddy went to bed early that night and
the car was soon dark and silent. The late man from the country
route did not get in until half-past one o'clock in the morning.
He unloaded as quietly as possible, not knowing what plans of the
manager he might disturb were he to make his presence known.
By this time every man of the crew was well aware that their
young manager seldom was without some shrewd plan for outwitting
his competitors, but these plans he ordinarily kept well to
himself until he was ready to carry them out.
Phil busied himself during the night in posting his books, making
out the payroll for the car, and writing the report sheet for the
owner of the show.
Right on the minute at the appointed hour there came a light tap
on the car window. Phil stepped out to the platform.
"I am ready, sir." It was the section foreman.
"Come inside," said Phil. "Do not make any noise, for the men
are all asleep. I will awaken two of them soon, but I do not
want those other car men to get awake, not for any price.
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