Bart was sure that his mysterious friend could be no other than the roustabout.  He took the crisp ten-dollar bill, which the superintendent extended with an impetuousness that showed he was a genuine, warm-hearted man under the surface.

“That quarter of a dollar you gave him was a grand investment, Stirling.  And now to get down to business, for I haven’t much time to spare.”

The superintendent, seating himself on the bench, consulted his watch and fixed his glance on Bart in his former stern, practical way.

“I saw your father at the hospital,” he announced.

“Yes, sir?” murmured Bart anxiously.

“They are going to let him go home to-morrow.  I am very sorry for his misfortune.  He is an old and reliable employee of the express company, and we will find it difficult to replace him.  I have thought over a suggestion he made, and have decided to offer you his position.”

“Oh, sir!  I thank you,” said Bart spontaneously, and the tears of gladness and pride sprang to his eyes uncontrollably.

“Technically your father will appear in our service.  I do not think the company bonding him will refuse to continue to be his surety.  You must make your own arrangement as to legally representing him, signing his name and the like, and of course you will have to do all the work, for he will be helpless for some time to come.  Are you willing to undertake the responsibility?”

“Gladly.”

“Then that is settled.  This arrangement will be in force for sixty days.  If, at the end of that time your father is no better, I do not doubt that we will give you the regular appointment, if in the meantime you fill the bill acceptably.”

“I shall do my best.”

“And I believe you will succeed.  I like you, Stirling,” said Mr. Leslie frankly, “and I am greatly pleased at the way you have stood in the breach at a critical time, and protected the company’s interests.  You will continue to draw fifty-five dollars a month, and use your judgment in incurring any expense necessary to keep things running smoothly until we get a new express office built.  What is in the safe?”

Bart was familiar with its contents.  He itemized them, including some fifty unclaimed parcels of small bulk that had accumulated during the year.

“Get rid of all that stuff,” ordered the superintendent briskly.  “I shall advise all the small offices in this division to ship in all their uncalled-for matter.  Advertise a sale, make your returns to the company, and start with a new sheet.  I think that is all there is any need of discussing at present, but I will send instructions by wire or mail as the occasion comes up.  Count me your friend as long as you show the true manhood you have displayed to-day in a situation that would have rattled and frightened most boys—­and grown men, too.  Good-by.”

He was keen, practical business to the core, and no sentiment about him, for he arose promptly with the farewell words, shook hands with Bart in an off-hand way, and was gone like a flash to catch his train to the city.