I started next morning for Pittsburgh with the pay-rolls and checks, as I thought, securely placed under my waistcoat, as it was too large a package for my pockets.

I was a very enthusiastic railroader at that time and preferred riding upon the engine.

I got upon the engine that took me to Hollidaysburg where the State railroad over the mountain was joined up.

It was a very rough ride, indeed, and at one place, uneasily feeling for the pay-roll package, I was horrified to find that the jolting of the train had shaken it out.

I had lost it! There was no use in disguising the fact that such a failure would ruin me.