The San Francisco call., 1905-08-06

stumbled along the long train, this 10
a new one ON me. My only experience
with private cars has been to shove them
upon cussing, awaiting engineers, but you
don't seem TO care.
''Why should I?'' asked John simply.
On entering the car they found warm
welcome awaiting. The remnants OF sup
per having been removed the strangely
assorted party settled down to cigars and
Masculine comfort.
Boys" said Mr.. Blank. II am unable
to properly thank you for the service
you have so faithfully rendered. 1t came
in the nick of time. as had they succeeded
in their scheme of wrecHage my interest
would have become valuelcss. the future
of the road a problem AS 1t Is the best
OF our State are fully aroused TO the men
ace of capital employed TO wreck instead
of for building UP. The future can be
made very bright, but l need loyal and
intelligent aid from each department and
every man. MIR. Lawrence, kindly hand
me the package of papers representing
our last nights work"
Lawrence quickly spread a handful OF
letters upon the table. From the pile
MIR. Blank selected one. handing II to
Lawrence with the remark, I'm appoint
you reading clerk
Lawrence glanced over the familiar
page as though it had first fallen be-
meath his eyes-at the innocent decep-
tion Mr.. Blanks eyes danced merrily.
MIR. Jasper" said Lawrence, slowly
This letter is addressed TO you: Mr.
John Jasper, etc. 1 hereby tender you
the position of superintendent of motive
power and machinery at compensation
of $4,000 per annum. Trusting this
offer will meet with an acceptance, 1
remain.
sMr. Jasper broke the surprised silence
by saying: I'm not ft for that posi-
tion. I'm only a rough old mountain
man and without Imagination enough TO
see myself in white-shirt job. 1 would
surely be beauty!
"Mr. Jasper. you will kindly remember
that I've never accepted your resigna-
ton. Now l need you IN this Office. No
other man is as well equipped as your
self to restore order from the present
chaos. l and the Inter-i.0untain need
you. As for the white shirt part-oUr
Offices are filled with figure juggling
tailor models, who will willingly take
Your share for $50 per month Your ap-
pointment. sir. is effective from this
Gate."
The new superintendent Of NJ. P. and
NJ. settled back into his chair Without
a glance toward him. Mr.. Blank selected
another from the pile.
Mr.. Gray" John looked up in sur
prise. "in this letter you are directed to
report To the college of minerals at
Berlin where arrangements have been
made for three years course Of study.
Your present rate of pay viii be sent
you monthly. but all bills will be sent to
M Blank
Yes, Gray, 7 intend to make an in
vestment. The Aliens are to be the
last to throw sand into my eyes ON
your way TO New York please pass
through your home and in person de-
liver this package and letter. Be very
careful of it. 1t contains bonds TO the
amount of $4,000 and warm letter
of appreciation as Lawrence and L
could manufacture. And say. young
man. if / were in your place I'd take
sters to keep that money in the fam
lily"
The entire party joined in the laugh
afforded by Johns blazing face.
Now, Mr.. Jasper" resumed Mr..
Blank, tossing "A letter across the table.
II have d recommendation to make.
Should it meet with your approval
make the appointment Immediate
While Mr.. Jasper was deciphering the
note Mr.. Blank resumed. AS to the
young man Howe. Mr.. Lawrence has a
scheme for his benefit
Here Mr. Jasper raised his head.
sly twinkle in his eyes.
''NIr. Brady" he said slowly, Will
you accept the position of general road
foreman of engineers under me?
Instead of answering Brady sat si-
lently gazing out into the night.
They were rushing through dip ly-
ing at the foot Of the five-mile grades.
The pointer of the speed dial quivered
against g.. out in the racing shadows
the red Ignite sparks threaded swiftly
past The lever bites deeper into the
unseen engine. splitting roar drifts
back to them. AS the palatial car sways
against a smashing curve he lifts his
head TO look direct into the awaiting
eyes opposite.
MFR. Blank says he decidedly, I've
always looked upon the petty jobs men
like me are capable Of filing as being
for cripples or pets. Through Gods
mercy I'm not in the first class and
have no desire to seek the other. am
a locomotive engineer and would not
change for anything which by putting
my knees under desk would take
that-pointing to the flying, lOunging
canyon-"Out Of my life forever"
Mr. Blank extended his hand over the
table. saving broken1y. "Of such are the
builders of our empire.
THE END.
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