The stillness of the night outside was so profound that the rain, dripping from the car roof upon the road-bed underneath, was as distinct as the ticking of a clock.
"Well, we've sure stopped," observed one of the drummers.
"What is it ?" asked Hilma again.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong ?" "Sure," said Annixter.

Outside, underneath their window, they heard the sound of hurried footsteps crushing into the clinkers by the side of the ties.

They passed on, and Annixter heard some one in the distance shout: "Yes, on the other side." Then the door at the end of their car opened and a brakeman with a red beard ran down the aisle and out upon the platform in front.

The forward door closed.