Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-01-19

The boy had been calm and coll
lected when he appeared now he
colored and looked embarrassed.
IL can't afford it, sir" he stam-
mered.
Cant afford it on twelve dollars a
week ?" sharply. "Why, We have
men getting that who support their
families and dress well, and still are
able to put some aside. Remember,
the Coast Air Line does not excuse
negligence ofany kind"
81 haven't neglected tn. switch for
a single minute, sir, sudden sharp
ness coming into the boys voice.
"No, not yet" coldly; "but you
are putting yourself in way to do
so. A man who does not clOths him
self comfortably in weather like this
cannot give his whole mind to his
work, especially when exposed as you
are. Did you not go into the station
to get warm while waiting for No II
"No, sir" Indignantly; Il did not
take my hand of the lever once after
the train was due, nor stop loOkin' up
the track.
well, take my advice about cloth
ing yourself warmly then there will
be little inducement for you to. 10
do strong work man must keep him.
self strong. But, about the wreck.
Some of the men declare the two
trains Tapped as they passed the
switch. How did you manage itY
"They didn't lap, sir-thsy couldn't,
of course. There was nearly a car
length between. I was watchin the
headlight of No. 7 when | heard the
other train comm. There wasn't
much time to think, only | knew No.
7 must be saved. The runaway was
nearest, an l thought could put her
on the spur an switch back in time
for No. 7. But they were going pref
ty fast, an when the runaway got by,
the other wasn't car length of, an
comm like mad | Just threw my
self on the lever an don't believe |
caught my breath till the last car
passed. There want no time to lock
it, an I was 'frsid the jar might
throw me off. But" hestating and
coloring little, there want nothin
in it like the men have been talkin.
1t was Just bein' quick. "
"Yes, just being quick" repeated
the manager, looking at him thought
fully.
But what il the matter with your
hand and your arm2" noticing that
the one was rudely bandaged and the
other held at an odd angle from the
body, as though through pain "hurt
at the switch when the train passed z
Eyes, sir. 1t was pretty hard to
hold, not being fastened" "
Think you can tend switch with
them ?"
"Of course !" and the arm was bent
suddenly and then allowed to swing
in careless manner at the boys side.
though his lips turned white and
twitsbed in the act they'll be all
right pretty soon. The arm amt
broke nor nothin', an the b snd's on
" got the skin rubbed of the back.
I just tied on the rags to keep the
snow from gettln IN, but there WASH
no need. An anyway, it's only my
left arm an hand.
"Yes, l see. OF course, you can
tend switch all right. But, look
here" so sharply and suddenly that
the boy started and looked at him ap-
prehensively how'd you like to
come into my own Office and learn
railrosding2 | have several young
men there now but we can always
find room for more who know how to
be quick and don't know how TO ac-
knowledge that things hurt. The
pay will only be the same, twelve dol
lars at FIRST but there will be the
very best opportunities to learn, and
sure promotion for those who deserve
it. I don't mind saying it is an eI-
ceptional opportunity; but you have
done our road two good turns lately
and deserve recognition. You may
come to the Office at once. What,
you refuse9'
For the boy, into whose face had at
first come an eager, wondering light,
now shook his head, the light dulling
into forced apathy.
"I'm much obliged. SIR; but ! think
III stay at the switch"
The eyes Of the manager searched
him keenly.
You'd rather stay, do you meanT
The boy hesitated, but only for
/ ffVxo