The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-04-01


dizzy. things looked black and it fell
YEARLY back on the pile of old coats.
awoke in a hospital, where stayed
a month. When l came out the threat
ened trouble on the road had been set
tied more or less satisfactorily. my fire
man had been promoted, and had red
headed Allison permanently. If his
overwhelming conceit could be kept
in check, he wasn't such a bad fellow at
all. He tried several times to breach
the subject of the lady passenger. but
as l saw it was merely to dilate on the
impression he made, declined to lis
ten.
By virtue of my office as chief of the
local division, was privileged to lead
the grand march at our annual ball. rs
1 had no lady, Jack Burke, the floor
manager, promised 10 find me Il part
ner. When he presented me to Miss
Lily bingham, l was ghted-and
not little confused-to recognize my
former passenger. Explanations were
impossible, so just bazened it out. I
was shaved now, and logged up, so I
was more at ease than on our first meet
ing.
Miss Lily was splendid dancer, and
bright and sensible girl. We became
quite good friends during the evening.
and she told me how pleased she had
been at seeing me back on the engine.
"How could you have seen me?''
asked, in surprise, for was certain 1
had not seen her since l lay on the bag
gage car floor that day when she bathed
my wounds so tenderly.
"Why, see. you every day." she re-
piled; you pass Uncle Ephraim' 5, al 4
quarter past ten, and always see YOU
go by"
At 1915 I was due at the top of
heavy grade at Gregory's Mills. Col.
Ephraim Gregory, our recently elected
assemblyman, lived on the summit Of
the hill. AS chairman of the Railroad
Mems Democratic club I had worked
like Trojan for his election. had be-
come personally acquainted with him.
and knew him to be a genial and hearty
old fellow. had not seen him since his
election, for, the contest decided,
went back to my engine, and forgot pol
itics in watching out for red flags.
us he with us this evening?"I asked.
"Why, yes; haven't you seen him?
There he is, with Mrs. LARA bee-over
there"
We strolled over to where the colonel
was entertaining the superintendent
wife. Miss Lily was about to int1 oduce
me, when he interrupted her with:
ooh, know Mr.. Franklin. We are fell
low-soldiers in the good cause. Mrs.
Larrabee, permit me-
"Not necessary, colonel; I, too, am
acquainted with Mr.. Franklin. He is
one of our engineers, you know. Ihave
ridden great many miles behind him"
We formed a party in corner, and I,
for one, passed remarkably pleasant
evening.
"By the way, Mr.. Franklin" said the
colonel, as we shook hands at parting,
II want to see you about the expenses
of the clubs; can't you run over to the
house some evening next week? We
are alone, Lily and I, and will try and
make it pleasant for YOU"
glanced at her inquiringly. Second
ed by her, the invitation would become
command to be obeyed,
"Wednesday evening we will be at
home. Will that be convenient for you,
Mr.. Franklin2" she said, with, 1 fam
cied slightly conscious flush on her
face.
On Wednesday evening, which was
perfectly convenient for me, the colo
mel met me at the door with cordial
welcome, Miss Lily received me with
gracious hospitality in the large, old
fashioned parlor.
'Ten fifteen became the most inter-
esting moment in the whole 81 hours
to me now. 1 never missed the 1lutter
Of dainty handkerchief at the corner
window of the old mansion nor failed
to return the signal. AS had to pound
her pretty hard to get up the grade he
fireman was too busy to see what was
going on.
Early the next fall it was rumored
about that our. superintendent of mo-
tive power was about to leave, and hat
the master mechanic of the middle di-
vision was to get his place. That would
leave vacancy for master mechanic.
There would be no lack of candidates,
and the best hustler would get it. had
no hesitation in invoking the colonel's
aid. Here was a chance, if he wished
to do something for me.
He asked me but one question: Are
you competent to fill the position?"
Undoubtedly" replied; otherwise
I would not have asked for your assist
ance.'
He told me TO leave the matter to him,
and to keep perfectly mum"
When the change was finally made,
several persons who had confidently as
serted themselves as being sure OF the
appointment were wonderfully taken
aback by the unexpected promotion of
Joe Franklin
Three months later. with Lily's per-
mission. ! tackled the colonel. He adj
mitted that he had been expecting it,
and was not displeased; "but, Joe" said
he, laying both hands on my shoulders
and looking me squarely in the eyes,
81 want you to prove yourself. Come to
me year from the day you were pro-
NOTED. and if you still hold your posi-
ton she is yours"
Il thought the terms hard, but rail-
road men learn to wait long and be pa
tient. With Lily's help and encourage
ment the nine months passed-it
doesn't seem long now--and the old