Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-01-18
BY MICHAEL WHITE


He will be able to confirm my statement that the West
field Valley extension would be great saving of time
and expense in our westbound express traffic.
The president turned in his chair and cast compre
hensive look on Doran He quiet, inconspicuous
man, in contrast 70 his chief engineer, who clothed
bulky form in tweeds of latest London pattern, and
rather fanced dangersgnal neckwear with headlight
jewelry of many candlepower
II presume you agree with what Mr. Decort says?"
the president nodded slightly toward the chief engineer
Zone could hardly dispute the fact he has Just stated
Sir answered Doran.
The president half closed his eyes moment, and
swung foot crossed his knee bit nervously
eyes, yes, he said presently but the question is
compelled to go ahead with the work now? You
believe Decor that the c.. D. getting ready
build into Westfed and threaten territory That's
the point want to be certain about
Il haven't the least doubt of it." put in the chief
gneer decisivey. ATheir purpose is to tap traffic
at Westfe1d Our policy must be to head them off with
the Valley extension
what do you say, Mr.-er-Doran?" the president
asked without infection of voice.
For full three minutes and half Doran's eyes
dered the room if exhaustivey reviewing the
situation. 1t is said that when is provided with
deep blue eyes in combination with dark complexion
he is likely to be dreamer, worker in theory rather
than practice. Be that may theory at any rate
Doran knew every mile of the SYSTEM its grades curves
bridges, and entertainments. 1t pastme for him to
figure out how certain sections could have been built
with manifest improvement; also there dwelt within
himself the unSpoken conviction that but for him,
Doran, the chief engineer would have made than
conspicuous record of an engineering muddle. For
that reason he adopted rather paerna attitude toward
Decor and in the present felt that it due to
him see that the chief engineer did overreach
himself. Most assuredly the chief engineer would have
been hugely grated if remote idea of it had entered
his entirely self-satisfed brain
W1HILE Doran was considering these things the tick
mo of thaD yyatch on e
ing withdrawn from his wastcoat pocket Finally Doran
let his gaze drop to the presidents expectant face
Il don't see, SIR he spoke thoughtfully, chow the
c., H. & D. could have any such plan in project. 1t
would cost them fifty millions to down through the
mountains to Westfeld and the line wouldn't pay for
twenty years to To divert any of traffic they
would have steep and expensive haul over to their
main line From the engineering point of view should
say it would be big waste of money"
The president had evidently not anticipated this
swer for he swung back his chair with the shade of
pleasant smile sweeping across his face. In his judg
ment conservatism in expenditure the present
essary policy of his road and he did wish rush
into any avoidable venture. Therefore he glad to
be able to reute the chief engineers argument out of
the mouth of one of his own staff.
Exactly he nodded approval, tapping the blotter
on his table with his fngertips. 4You put the whole
plainly and squarely Mr.. Doran. | guess you've
sized up the situation entirely right. He and
moved to map of the system hung upon the wall
9Here you are, Decort," he beckoned the chief
gneer to his side Il don't believe the c., H. & D will
come down to Westfed in time Their talk of
doing so is all bluff It's just your assistant, Mr..
Doran, says about the cost of construction through
those mountains. You there for yourself he
outlined with his finger a route on the map
The chief engineer did see He also thought great
deal more than advisable to utter in the pres
dents office. Uppermost chagrin and resentment
that Doran his assistant had taken side in the matter
against him. significant frowning look he shot at
Doran missed its mark and hit the wall behind harm
lessly Doran was reckoning the cost of bridge the
c., H& D. would be compelled to throw over the West