“Yes, I do—­I am an expert!”

“Sorry to disturb the profundity of your calculations, Mr. Wacker,” said Bart quietly, “but in the present instance there could not possibly be any mistake.  Our scales were burned up in the fire.  The new ones have not yet arrived, and in the meantime, as a temporary accommodation, our weighing is done up at the in-freight platform by the official weigh master of the road.  I fancy Martin & Company will accept that verification as final.  Don’t you think so, Mr. Wacker?”

Lem Wacker snatched the paper Bart returned to him with a positive growl.

“I’ll catch you Smart-Alecks yet!” he muttered surlily.

“What are you so anxious to catch us for?” inquired Bart coolly.

“Never you mind—­I’ll get you!”

Lem Wacker had said that before, and as he backed away Bart dismissed him with a shrug of his shoulders.

There were too many practical things occupying his time to waste any on fancies.  Bart had put in a very busy week, and a very satisfactory one.  He had started in with a system, and had never allowed it to lag.  In fact, he improved it daily.

Thanks to his brief, but thorough apprenticeship under his father’s direction, he had acquired a knowledge of all the ins and outs of the office work proper.

He had shown great diligence in clearing up the old business.  In three days after taking official charge Bart had forwarded to headquarters all the claims covering the fire.

He had also listed the unclaimed packages in the safe, together with those burned up, had followed out Mr. Leslie’s direction to collect all not-called-for express matter at little stations in his division, and was now awaiting an order from headquarters as to their final disposition.

The strange “Mr. Baker” had drifted out of his life, temporarily at least.

Bart had purchased the articles the roustabout had required, and that evening Baker came out from his hiding-place marvelously unlike the great-bearded, shock-headed individual Bart had previously known.

A green patch and goggles, a deep brown face-stain, and a pair of thin artistically made “side-burns” comprised a puzzling make-up.

Baker told Bart that he felt himself perfectly disguised, that he could now venture freely down the road a distance where he had business.

“I’ll be back, though,” he promised.  “Perhaps in two weeks.  I’m not through with Pleasantville.  Oh, no!  There’s going to be an explosion here some time soon.  You’ve put me on my feet, Stirling, and you won’t be sorry when you know what I’m after.”

Bart had half planned to hire Baker for what extra work he had to give out.  He had to look about for someone else, and Darry Haven and his brother, Bob, alternately came around to the express office before and after school, and helped Bart.

The company allowed for this extra service, but Bart had to take a separate voucher for each task done.