Foster felt interested.  He had faced danger in the northern wilderness, where he had risked starvation and traveled on frozen rivers when the ice was breaking up.  Besides, he had once or twice been involved in savage fights about disputed mining claims, and knew how men looked when they bore a heavy strain.  He thought the stranger was afraid but was not a coward.

“You’re going to Ottawa, aren’t you?  I heard you talking to your friend,” said the man.

“I’m going to Montreal, but don’t see what that has to do with you.”

The other made a sign of impatience.  “Well, I dare say you can be trusted, and I’ve got to take a risk.”

“It is a risk to trust a man you don’t know,” Foster rejoined.  “But how can I help?”

“I want you to put on my coat and cap, and stay here, reading the Witness, for about ten minutes.”

“Holding the newspaper in front of my face, I suppose?  Well, it’s rather an unusual request and I must know a little more.  If there’s a detective on your trail and you expect me to hold his attention while you hide or try to jump off the train, I must refuse.”

The stranger smiled.  “I’ve wired for the police to meet me at Ottawa; the trouble is that I mayn’t get there.  Time won’t allow of a long explanation, but there are men on board who’d stop at nothing to prevent my arrival.  In fact, to some extent, I’m putting my life in your hands.”

Foster looked at him, surprised.  He had not expected an adventure of this kind on a Canadian Pacific train, but did not think the other was exaggerating.

“How many men?” he asked.

“I’ve seen one, but know there are more.”

“Then why not tell the conductor and have the train searched?”

“It wouldn’t work.  I might find one enemy, but I’d warn the others that I was on my guard, and to let them think I suspect no danger is the best chance I have.  The conductor’s making his way up the train, and I’m going to see if he can get me into the express car.  It’s the only safe place; the clerks are armed.  Well, my business is lawful and in the public interest, and I take it you’re a patriotic citizen.”

Foster saw that he must decide quickly.  Somehow he did not doubt the man, who kept his eyes on the door as if he expected somebody to come in.  Moreover, he expected to be met by the police at Ottawa.

“It looks as if I’d run your risk when I put on your coat,” he said.

“The porter’s sweeping up the car, and if you keep the door open, you’ll be safe while he’s about.  Besides, if I can’t get into the express car, I’ll come back.  Give me ten minutes, and then, if I don’t turn up and you feel uneasy, take off the coat and put the newspaper down.”

“Very well,” said Foster.  “Perhaps you had better take my hat.”

The stranger gave him his heavy fur coat.  “I’ll ask you for it at Ottawa.  You’re going to Montreal.  What’s your name?”