The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1897-03-24

with the thumbed blue cover, ana ne
had expected to see grizzle-bearded
man with rough, red face, and a
stubby black pipe. For Cragie was
Known to be one of the worst sections
or the line. Its keeper was required
10 walk mile from the end of the
long bridge and through the cut twice
every day, winter and summer, and it
often required cool head and Wig
orous body to dodge the tramp freights
that Numbered back and forth with
seeming disregard for time-cards and
running rules.
The new inspector had come down
from Cragie's, walking the whole length
of section 81. He had found everything
in the best of order, not bolt loose nor
a spike gone, and he felt after
the manner of new inspectors, Eke
ccmplimenting the vigilance of the
keeper.
us L. C. Dolby imp" he asked, when
he reached the keepers house on the
hill.
'Yes, sir; will you walk IMP" asked
the rosy-cheeked girl who came to the
door.
He stepped into the neatest of little
sitting-rooms. There were flowers in
the windows and CHEEKY fire on the
hearth, in front of which lazy tabby
cat yawned q good-humored greeting.
MY name is Baxter, the new in
spector, and l wish to see L. C. Dolby,
the keeper of 81" he said.
The girl flushed slightly. He cb-
served that her hair was cut short like
boys, and that her chin was firm and
sharp.
II am the keeper" she answered;
my name is Lettie c. Dolby, and I've
Lad the place since father was injured
last winter"
That's right, and as good as a man
she is, tool came a gruff voice from
the inner room.
Lettie flushed again.
Its father" she whispered; won't
you step in and see him? He's very
glad to have visitors"
Baxter had not yet recovered from his
shock of surprise at finding that the
slim, blue-eyed girl who stood before
him was really keeper of Cragie's cut,
and he allowed himself to be led into
the other room. There, at a big, bright
window, sat man in rocking-chair.
His face was of the chalky whiteness
that comes from being always indoors,
and his lap was spread with plaid
comforter. He looked prematurely old
and worn.
How are you?' he asked. I'D get
up, only" and he motioned to his
crippled legs with a faint smile.
That's all right" responded Baxter,
alphabetically; "keep your seat
And Baxter, sitting there, heard Let
tie explain the condition of Section q,
and make her report as promptly and
very much more clearly than any of
the keepers he had met. She spoke in "a
frank, almost boyish way, and she I'M
derstood her work as well as Baxter
himself did. Her father sat watching
her quietly, adding word here and
there. Presently the clock in the fur
Their room struck three, and Lettie
started to her feet.
ITS time for me to make the rounds
of the section" she said, and a nome mt
later Baxter saw her 1.-the form, wrapped
in stout, dark cloak, disappear over
the brow of the hills toward the tracks.
As he looked back he found Dolby
watching him intently. When he
caught his eye, the cripple leaned for
ward and touched Bakers knee.
There isn't a pluckier girl between
st. Paul and the Montana buttes," he
said, "even II do say it who shouldn't
II don't see how she can manage the
section" replied Baxter.
That's what say" exclaimed
Dolby; ''it's wonderful" and his
pinched face lighted up with smile tina.
was beautiful to see. ut would go
lard with US all IL it wasn't for Lettie."
"How did the girl happen to be ap-
pointed to such a place, anyway"
nOJJ r01