noon
`` Ah , '' he murmured presently , `` life 's pretty sweet , is n't it ! '' Events followed each other with refreshing rapidity . While the crew of the big locomotive on the crossing busied themselves getting up steam , Sexton and Jules Rondeau toiled at the loading of the discarded boiler and heavy castings aboard two flat-cars . By utilizing the steel derrick on the company 's wrecking-car , this task was completed by noon , and after luncheon the mogul backed up the main line past the switch into the Laguna Grande yards ; whereupon the switch-engine kicked the two flat-cars and the wrecking-car out of the yard and down to the crossing , where the obstructions were promptly unloaded . The police watched the operation with alert interest but forebore to interfere in this high-handed closing of a public thoroughfare . To Sexton 's annoyance and secret apprehension , Bryce Cardigan and Buck Ogilvy promptly appeared on the scene , both very cheerful and lavish with expert advice as to the best method of expediting the job in hand . To Bryce 's surprise Jules Rondeau appeared to take secret enjoyment of this good-natured chaffing of the Laguna Grande manager .