Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26

reassuring words of the old engineer.
While still puzzled to know what it could
mean, the telegraph operator belonging to
the station notified him. in sharp voice.
that the superintendent wished to see him.
"Where is he" asked Jarvis, in reply.
Standing at the lower end of the plat
form, talking with two of the directors
Il wonder what he wantsT muttered Jar.
Wis, moving toward the little group that was
standing by the corner of the building, back
on the broad platform, so as to be out of the
way of the people that were moving about.
The minute Jarvis turned his back on the
operator and Thatcher, the two laughed heart
lily, but silently.
Il could hardly keep my face straight, -
awful tones that the superintendent wanted
him, and l didn't think he would take it go
seriously"
"It was odd we both thought of the same
thing" said Thatcher. Il scared him so
that he imagined something had happened to
his folks. | didn't think of that. l tell
you, Sam, the joke don't amount to much, but
may end. But Jarvis ought to know that
whatever the superintendent says to him will
have the right ring to it."
And Jarvis did know that much, but the
action OF the two friends, who were indulg
ing In the little pleasantly, was so uncxpect
ed that it was a minute or two before he
saw through it. He did 50, however. before
he reached the little party BY the window.
AS he approached the group, he touched
his hat to them, and took the extended hand
of Mr.. Dunbar, who was in the best OF llunor
Jarvis" said he, "Mr. Livingston, Mr.
Worthley and myself have been talking to-
gether on our way up, and We have come to
the conclusion that, inasmuch as you caught
the runaway engine, you may keep it.
Il am not sure L understand you," said the
blushlng youth.
Mr.. Livingston came to his relief
Mr.. Dunbar has given,ns the particulars
OF how you saved the runaway las5 night ,
and your engineer, MIR. Thatcher has assured
us that yeu are as competent in every way
to take charge of an engine any one on the
road. L am conservative man, and believe
1t is wrong to advance any person until be
has served a proper apprenticeship. Besides
he must possess intelligence and be free from
bad habits, for there are few positions more
responsible than that of an engineer in charge
of train OF cars filled with passengers. We
believe you have fairly earned this promotion
though your time Is considerably shorter on
the road than that which we generally require
During the last few months the business and
travel have developed to that extent along
our line that we must have more facilities to
meet it. After carefully considering the mat
ter, therefore, we have decided to place
new train on the read next Monday morning,
to be known as the Day Accommodation. It
will leave an hour later than the mail each
way, anu HiH IdhS HdL-nOur longer IN max
ing each trip"
At this very interesting point in his speech
Mr.. Livingston ceased and the other direc-
tor, Mr.. Worthley, took it up.
"The accommodation, Of course, will stop
at every station, and a number of new ones
,yill be formed, the idea being to pick up
the way travel between the termini of the
roads. Engine No 80 will draw the ac-
commodation, and if Mr.. Jarvis Brinton will
consent to take charge of it, the superntend-
ent informs u.s. he will be glad to make the
appointment"
Jarvis, of course, knew what was coming,
but he was so confused that he stammered a
moment or two before, he could say;
"We are to decide that point" said Mr.
Dunbar, assuming a certain sternness Of man.
ner which was natural to him. ''What must
know is whether you will accept the position!'
"0f course | will; i thank you more than
/ can tell; | hope. you will never regret YOU
confidence in me-"
$50 do l." said the superintendent, as ht
passed into the office with the directors.
Pleased beyond expression with his good
fortune, Jarvis sauntered to the other END
of the platform, where Thatcher (havine
turned over his engine TO his fireman TO rur
into the round-house. and take care of unit
wanted again) was awaiting him. -.
blue Jean suit and ciose.6tting cap, both O
which shone with blotches of oil, which h,
was rubbing from his hands with bundl,
of cotton waste. The engineer was large ant
ox-like in his movements but he was as hon
est and Square" man as ever lived.
He was grinning significantly as Jarvis ap
"WelI. it's all fixed. amt it?'