The Washington herald., 1909-05-30

~ OR the second time "Uncle Billy" Watson,
station agent at Rivorton, unfolded the letter
u and read it then placing It upon his weather
beaten desk he sat for long time making mean
ngless marks upon blotter with his pencil
The letter was written In the general freight
agents hand and bore that officials familiar
signature 1t was very frank but although 1t had
a sting to It, it was not brutal Rather, II was
kind and generous and Uncle Billy" as the old
had been known in Riyerton for many years,
could understand that the writing Of il must have
caused the general freight agent pang OF sor-
row.
The fact that It was written by hand showed
that the official had sought 60 shield Uncle Billy as
much possible by keeping its contents n secret
from even his private and confidential stenogra-
pher. These things somewhat softened the blow,
but still IL hurt-hurt
Uncle Billy got up presently and walked to
the window OF his dingy Office. Across the tracks
he the busy, throbbng city, it's broad, paved
streets its factories, its imposing business build
ings its miles Of residences
The general freight agent was right he thought.
Riverton had grown beyond him. 1t not the
small village it was when he was appointed agent
there, thirty years ago.
Wen he remembered the day--that proud day
thirty years ago!
The position had enabled him TO marry the wom-
he loved. lie was young then-young and Wig
orous. There other line into Riverton in
those days; there was no competition. Now he
was old, his step not elastic as it had been,
his movements were slower, and the competition
was keen! No doubt he was not securing the
companys share of the business at Riverton. No
doubt the company needed younger, more ag-
gressive man in his place.
1t was very kind of the general freight agent,
he thought not to assert brutally tnat his useful
ness at Riverton over but rather TO suggest
that he accept smaller station where his duties
would not be numerous or his work 50 hard.
II Ut after all IL spelled failure to him--failure
- after thirty years of constant and loyal service.
He was glad Maggie not alive to know!
There swept through him presently feeling of
resentment. If the company did not receive half
the business in and out Of Rverton, there were
reasons aside from his lack of vigor and energy
his being "old-fashioned,"
The competing line had It's division shops at Riy-
erton. It's monthly payroll was large, and all this
money spent with the home merchants, who
must be expected 20 reciprocate. Also the other
line advertised itself far and wide the "Riverton
Route" which most pleasing TO the residents.
who was Jim Markley, the general freight agent,
anyway that he should presume 90 judge of the
fitness OF a who had been well trained in
the railroad business when Marltey was mere
boy?
Why Marltley had commenced his railroad
reer in Watson's own oflce Uncle Billy remem-
bered distinctly when Mardey fresh from the
farm and entirely unfamiliar with the duties and
requirements OF great traffic corporation!
The recollection plunged the old man into deep
reverie. After the first few years Marltley's ad-
vancement had been rapid, while he, Watson, had
for some reason failed to climb the ladder of sue
cess.
Looking back over the years he understood the