The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-03-16
The Keeper of
Cragie's Cut.

at the first sight Of the Cragie's
bridge and the rock cut beyond.
IL Q Dolby, Section %" he had read
In his little book with the thumbed
blue cover, and he had expected to see
Rgrizzle- bearded man with q rough, red
face and a stubbY blaze pipe. For
Cragie's was known to be the worst
se elton on the line. It's keeper was re-
CURED to walk the mile from the end
Of the long bridge and through the cut
twice every day, winter and summer,
and 1t often required a cool head and a
vigorous 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 %. He had found every
thing in the best of order, not a bolt
loose nor a spike gone and he felt,
after the manner of new Inspectors,
LIKE complimenting the vigilance of the
Lew keeper.
rs L @. Dolby inf" he asked when
he reached the keepers house on the
hill.
Yes, sir, will you walk in3' asked
the rosy checked girl who came to the
door.
He stepped into the neatest Of little
sitting-rooms. There were flowers
in the window US and a CHEEKY fire on
the hearth In front of which a lazy
tabby cat yawned a good humored
greeting.
My name is Baxter, the new in,
spector, and I wish to see L. Q. Dolby,
the keeper of e." he said.
The girl flushed slightly. He OBJ
served that her hair was cut short like
a boys and that her chin vas firm and.
sharp.
- am the keeper" she answered;
my name is Lettie @. Dolby, and I've
had The place since father was injured
last winter"
That's right, and as good as a man
she ia, tool came in a gruff voice
from the other room.
Lartie flushed again.
IT'S father" she whispered; won't
you step in an see hint He is 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 be-
fore him was really keeper of CrRigie's
cut, and he allowed himself to be led
into the other room. There, at a big,
bright window, sat a man in q rocking
chair. HIS face was of the chRlky
whitenees that M from being al
ways indoors, ard his lap was spread
with a plaid comforter. He looked
premsturely old and WoTn.
How are you2' he asked. ND 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 reports 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 understood her words as we'll as
Baxter himself did. Her father sat
watching her quietly, adding a word
here and there. Presently the clock
in the further room struck three, and
Lettie started to her feet.
Its time for me to make the rounds
Of the section" she said, and, a moment
later, Baxter saw her little form,
wrapped in a stout, dark coat, disap.
pear over the brow of the hill toward
the tracks. Z.
AS he looked back he found Dolby
watching him intently. When he
caught his eyes the cripple leaned for
ward and touched Baxter's knee.
There isn't pluckier girl between
St, Paul and Montana buttes," he said,
''even if l do say it; who shouldn't9"
II don't see how she can manage the
section" replied Bsxtie.
That's what I say" exclaimed Dol
by; lit wonderful" end his pinched
face lighted up with a smile that was
beautiful to see. 1T would go hard
with all of us if it vast for Letter"
How did a girl happen to be ap-
pointed to such a place, anyways"
"She's deserved it" Dolby answered,
theoretically "she deserved it. They
amt many people that know all the
facts excep' the superintendent-he
knows, and he says Lettie a be keep
er as long as she wants to-"