Evening star., 1926-10-11

that Spanned the river. lie had come
across on the train. after stopping a
day or two on the other stide, for his
ticket had read to this point, and he
had saved the bridge coupon. Now W"
would have to walk back over the
bridge and on To his seaport home. ~
miles across the country to the coast
He had taken only enough money tu
pay for the ticket. leaving the rest
of their small horde with his grand
daughter. for lie had confidently ex
pected to find Il job in one of these
busy towns and be able to send for
her To Join him. There was nothing
left but To go back aud remain with
her a few dayS and then seek q berth
on some vessel.
But as he approached the center of
the bridge he suddenly paused There
was Il bar across and a turngate. and
he understood what that meant Pc
fore he could pass he would have Ia
pay toll. and he did not have cent
Beyond the gate and leaning against
il was q boy of IL or is. with his eyes
fixed eagerly on n SesticulatinG crowd
i'll an open field on the opposite shore
Evidently bali game was in progress
there, and the youthful bridge tender
was very much excited over IL. for
often his hands rose in the air. and
itated and then went to one OF tho
bridge benches. very close to the gate
He had a right to come this far. and
he would stay until night. Perhaps
the bridge would not have a tender
then. and he could pass. He had
never tried To evade an obligation he
fore. hut he must cross the bridge and
reach home as soon az possible.
Meanwhile the bridge tender was
becoming more excited and several
times he started forward as though
half inclined to forsake his port
Suddenly he noticed the old man sit
ting at the gate.
Hello" he called eagerly. going 70
stay here long?"
why, yes. quite a while. | think
Then YOU look out for my place Il
few minutes. I'll be awfully obliged.
and without waiting for consent or
comment the boy sped away toward
the farther shore and the yelling
crowd
Wait. Hold minute" called the
old man after him. but the boy did
not hear. Ills head was down. with
his arms pressed closely To his sides.
He was sprinting and oblivious Of
everything lie was leaving behind
The old man went through the gate,
his face anxious and pert lnbed
"Whatever's to be done. | wonder
he muttered aloud. II don't know
the toll and-good land" as he
noticed water through narrow open
space in the bridge and extending en-
tairely across from side to- side. 'if il
ain't draw? How'd they open it?
hope no boatll come till the boy gets
back. He's crazy.
But he was handy man" who had
the mans nature. Keenly the eyes
under the shaggy brows swept out ia
search of the means of opening the
draw in case OF necessity: then a hi
cycle came swiftly across the bridge
and he turned to the gate.
But he was "handv man who had
lived ON Shipboard most of his life
and was accustomed to WindlaSSeS
and screws and various means of
shifting heavy weights. Soon the keen
eyes discovered what they were after
and not too soon. for almost at the
very moment came a vigorous "Ahoy
draw from up the river. a schooner
was sweeping straight down upon
him, under a full head of canvas.
But though he had found the means
his hands lacked the (eXterity of eX
perience. and they furnbled with hur-
ried unfamiliarity until there came a
second hail. this time sharp and i'm
patient. Then the bridge swung open
and the boat shot through.
Thank you. keeper" came re
lieved voice from below. was
afraid you didn't see me. and 7 was
on the point of taking to avoid
smashing things. But | see you know
your business.
Two hours went by and there was
no sign OF the boy. The breeze was
freShening and IL was now that his
knowledge of winds and tides stood
him in good stead. swift glance
and he could have told TO almost a
second when boats would reach the
draw. He waited until q carriage had
swept across and then. with a warn
ing called to a car just behind, swung
the draw open to several succeeding
boats. which were close together
After they had passed through he
shut the draw for the second car
The chauffeur was red and angry
Look here, you bridge man" he
cried. "what'd you shut us back for"
We're in a big hurry an could "a got
through in another minute. an there
was plenty o. time. Dye know who
I'm carrying?
James. James came stern voice
from the car. That is enough. The
man uiu just llSHt' NdS Watching.
It was as fine bit of calculation as
I ever saw" Then as the car came
opposite the old man: Let me-but
hello, Where is the regular keeper"
"Why. sir, think he's gone over
to the ball game for just few min
utes." hesitated the old man.
And left you to fill his place"
YES, sir"
You are an experienced bridge
keeper, 7 see
"Eo--no. sir. I never tried the work
before this"
I'M Then you are quick to pick
it up. The young man showed you
about it, suppose?
mo. he-he was in quite a good deal
OF a hurry. and just asked me to look
out for the work. But I'm handy
about pickin' up things. I've been on
board ship most OF my life. sir
"Oh. q sailor. That accounts for
your quick juding OF boats speed.
And-um,-a stranger. and he asked
you to look out for his job and did
not wait to tell you what TO do. You
said for a few minutes. Can you tell
me exactly how long he has been
gone"
Two hours. mebbe." reluctantly.
How would YOU like this job for
YOURSELF"
The old man caught his breath. but
shook his head.
Thank We kindly. sir" he said.
but l can't take tile boys job"
''He has lost il already. If YOU
don't take the place some one else
will. Maybe We have made mistake
about young blood. What do YOU