Des Arc weekly citizen., 1867-04-27
The Engineers Story--How he. Got
 up Steam. t
A LESSON FOR DRINKERS


 
 am an engineer. Ever since road was laid, I've travelled over it every day, or nearly every day, of nay life.
 For good while I've had the same en- zine in charge--thc prcttiest engine upon the road, and as well managed, if l say it, as the best.
 It was Southwestern road, running, so we say, from A to z. At A my good old mother lived at Z l had the sweetest little wife under the sun, and baby; and I always had dollar or two put away for rainy day. l was an odd kind of a man. Being shut up in an engine, watching with all your eyes, and heart, and soul, inside and out, don't make a man very talka- tive.
 My wife's name was Josephine, and 1 called her Je. Sometimes people called me unsociable and couldn't understand how man could feel friendly without say ing ten words an hour. So, though I had few friends-dear ones, tool did not have so many acquaintances as other peo- pie, I did not care to have. The house which held my wife and baby was the dearest spot on earth to me, except the old house that held my mother, up at A.
 I never belonged to a club, or mixed myself up with strangers in any such way, and never should, if it hadn't been. for Granby. You see Granby was one of the shareholders, handsome, showy fellow. I liked to talk with him, and we we're fine friends. He often rode with me, and once he said:
 You ought to belong to the Scientific Club, Gucldon.
 I never heard of it, said
 T am member,' said he. We meet once fortnight, and have jolly good time. We want thinking men like you. We have some among us now. l will pro pose you if you like.
 was fond of such things, and fancied might be worth something. Butan engi- neer don't have days or. nights to himself, and the club would have one evening a fortnight from Jo.
 I will ask her. If she likes it, yes,' l said.
 Ask who?' said he.
 'Jo,' said |.
 sIf eue-y ,,,o,, "sl.oa h;s --;ee, e~sry ono would have said, Cannot spare you, my dear,' and we should have no club, said Granby.
 But made no answer. At home told Jo.
 G'll miss you, Ned; but you love such things, and if Granby belongs they must be superior mem
 No doubt, said 1
 1t is isn't everyone who could be made a member said Jo. Why, of course you must
 So I said yes, and Granby proposed me Thursday fortnight went with him to the rooms. The real business of the evening was the supper, and so it was ev' cry evening.
 1 had always been temperate man. actually did not know what effect wine would have upon me but coming now tc drink more of it than I ever had before. found it put steam on. After so many glasses I wanted to talk-after so many more did 1 seemed like somebody else, the words were so ready. My little ideas came out and were listened to-. I made sharp hits l indulged in repartec I told stories; even came to puns. I heard somebody say to Gratiby:
 By George, that man is man worth knowing. I thought that he was dull al 1 first
 Yet knew it was better to be the quie Ned Guelden, with his ten words an houl than the wine-made wit was. was sure of it when three months aftel l stumbled up stairs to find Jo waiting fol  me with her baby on her breast.
 You have been deceiving me, said Jo T suspected it, but I was not sure. A Scientific Club couldn't smell like bar room'
 (Which means I do,' said I, waving il the middle of the room like signal flag at station, and seeing two Joes.
 And look like one, said Jo, and wen and locked herself and baby in the spar' bedroom.
 One Club night as I was dressed to go Jo stood before me.
 Ned, said she, I never had fault tt find with you before. You've been kind and good, and loving always; but should be sorry we ever met if you are going or ' in this way. Don't ask me what l mean | You know ! 'Jo, it's only one Club night said l carelessy. 1t will grow said she.
 Thep she put her arms around my neck tenderly. K Ned said she, do you think anything so much like bottled and strapped dowr down demon IS steam is, is fit to be put in to the hands of drunken man Ant sn,nn dau tnnrL ,,,.r .,.arels tho fimn u,l