Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1897-03-03
THE KEEPER OF
CRAGIE'S CUT.

Baxter, the new Inspector of the
Eyansburg and Sank Center Railroad,
was not the only person who bad been
astonlshed at the first sight of the keep
er of Cragie's bridge and the rock cut
beyond. III. &. Dolby, Section y" be
had read IN his little book with the
thumbed blue cover and he had eX-
pected to see II grizzle-bearded mai
with n rough. red face and stubby
black pipe. For Cragle's was known
TO be one of the worst sections on the
line. Its keeper was required to walk
the mile from the end of the long bridge
and through the cut twice day, win
ter and summer, and 1t often required
a cool head and vigorous body 10
dodge the tramp freights that thun-
dered back and forth with seeming dis
regard for time cards and running
rules.
The new inspector had come down
from Cragies. walking the whole length
in the best of order, not bolt loose nor
a spike gone and he felt, after the man
ner of new inspectors, like compliment
ing the vigilance of the keeper.
rs L. c. Dolby in?" he asked when
he reached the keepers house on the
hill
Eyes, sir will you walk In" 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 OH the
hearth In front of which a lazy tabby
cat yawned good-humored greeting.
MY name Is Baxter, the new inspec-
tor, and l wished to see l.. G. Dolby, the
keeper of 81" he said
The girl flushed slightly. He OBJ
served that her hair was cut short like
a boys and that her chin was firm and
sharp
Il am the keeper" she answered:
my name is Lettie C. Dolby, and I've
had the place since father was injured
last winter"
THAT'S right, and as good as a man
she is, tool" came gruff voice from the
other 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 surprise at finding that the slim.
In rtt hA or IAf hi
was really keeper of Cragies cut, and
he allowed himself to be led into the
other room. There. at big, bright
window, sat man in a rocking chair.
His face was of the chalky whiteuess
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 faint smile.
That's all right" responded Baxter.
alphabetically keep your seat"
And Baxter, sitting there, heard Let
tie explain the condition of section %.
and make her reports as promptly and
very much more clearly than any of the
keepers he had ever met. She spoke In
frank, almost boyish way, and she
understood her work as we'll as Baxter
himself did Her father sat watching
her quietly, adding a word here and
there. Presently the clock in the fur
ther room struck 3, and Lettie started
TO her feet.
TITS time for me TO make the rounds
of the section" she said, and a momenf
later Baxter saw her 1.-THE form. wran.
ped in A stout, dark cloak, disappear
over the brow of the hill toward the
tracks.
As he looked back he found Dolby
watching him intensely When he
caught his eye the cripple leaned for
ward and touched Bakers knee.
There isn't pluckier girl between
st. Paul and Montana buttes," he said;
"eyen If do say it, who shouldn't"
Il don't see how she can manage the
section" replied Baxter
That's what l say" exclaimed Dol.
by; ITS wonderful" and his pinched
race lighted up with a smile that was
beautiful to see. 1T would 20 hard
with all of us If it WASN'T for Lettie."
How did girl happen to be appoint
ed to such place, anyway
She's deserved it," Dolby answered.
energetically; "she deserved it. They
amt many people that know all the
facts excep' the superintendent
knows, and he says Lettle can be keep
81 US long as she wants to.