The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-09-03


clear track all the way. We've had litigation
this road and it isn't doing regular business yet.
but We'll be running on schedule in day or two"
They out of earshot Of the Others and Jim
leaned toward the capitalist.
"Mr. Norcross." he said shave you noticed that
the motorman has been drinking heavily"
"NoI' cried the capitalist. "Has the idiot started
one of his periodical sprees? Best man in my en-
ploy when he's sober When he's drunk he's stupid
log. Keep your eye him. JIM"
The young man nodded and started down the
aisle to the motormans vestibue.
1t might have been ten minutes later when he
noticed that the speed was increasing to really
dangerous rate. Looking ahead he saw-a mile or
away-a sharp curve He knew that 1t was high
~ hazardous to attempt TO strike it at that high
rate of speed. He reached forward and caught the
motorman by the The latter turned with an
OATH and unsteadly rising to his feet struck at him
hlindIy. Jim flung him aside, shut of the power
and put the air brake. The car slaekened speed
reluctantly but finally to stanllsfin half way
round the curve.
Then Jim turned. The motorman had fallen and
struck his head against the ironwork at the end Of
seat He was lying the floor unconscious.
Ethel was unaware that anything unusual had
taken place. She sat in the last seat at the rear.
with her back to the front Of the car her COM
panion Miss Mayer. beside her. Presently her
fatner came down the aisle ana stopped.
81 beginning to wonder where all the men
WERE" said Ethel, she laid her hand affectonately
on her fathers ARM 81 felt quite neglected Are we
waiting on switch?"
"There has been little accident my dear" said
her father Were not on switch"
Accident papa! Who is hurt7"
'The motorman But not seriously. Jim says It
Is scalp wound and broken collar bone. He's got
him all bandaged up nicely. and he gets
over the effects of the-the shock he'll be in very
fair shape"
'Is Jim-Mr. Protheroe-a surgeon, too?"
Hes something of surgeon replied her father
with laugh. Its another Of those things he
learned at that remarkable college. 1t seems half
dozen Of his college mates had planned hazardous
trip to the Bad Lands. and they knew they ought
to have surgeon doctor along. so Jim volunteered
and took six months course In the rudiments"
Ethel looked out Of the window
''Where we, papa2"
"About ten miles from nowhere" snarled the cap
italst. "And I'm needed in Cleveland at o'clock
for most important conference
We'll, why don't go ahead?"
without motorman? Besides, we've busted
something in the running gear. 1t happened In slack
ening up suddenly Do you hear that pounding?'
Now hear it, papa"
That's Jim under the trying to tinker up the
break"
is he mechanic, toO?"
Despite his anxiety the capitalist laughed again.
st seems so' he said. "It's another thing he
learned out there In Kansas. I suppose we are Just
beginning to find him out. You were right about
it. He isn't much like the other youngsters of his
age"
Still laughing, Ethels father left the and join
ed the two Eastern college men, who standing
not far away. Ethel raised the window and looked
out. AS she did she caught sight of Jim. Hat1ess
coatess and yestless, his thick hair wildly tumbled
and his face smudged with dirt, he was facing her
smiling father.
waiting for orders, SIR" he said with comieal
pull at his hair.
Can you motor, toe?" asked the capitalist.
I've had experience at it, replied Jim.
"Father built the Alfalfa and Stony Ledge electric
road and the first motor it. If you'll sit
with me and keep me posted the points I'll
promise to haul you through time"
"All right, my boy; her through schedule
time and I'll give you permanent job
The capitalist looked up and caught his daughters
eye and laughed again
AS Jim turned away Ethel called softly to her
father:
Jim up to dinner tonight
Her gratifed parent looked up at her with quiz
zcal smile that called swift blush to her cheek
"A aboard' shouted Jim.