Adventure, February 1917 — page 133: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘The Pride dynamite from under the tie. I could hear the engine swiftly drawing nearer, and the rails were singing when I picked up the last stick. And just as I stumbled into the thicket, the explosive safely in my arms, the train, a special, swept around the curve and flashed by! I hurriedly hid the dyna- mite, then hastened to the station.” eB stopped. Superintendent Kane was half-risen from his chair, drawn by McNeal’s last words. “Our train, Mr. Bonner!’ Kane’s voice, but little above a whisper, was the first to breakin. ‘Our train!” he repeated, staring across at the general manager, whose cigar _ had gone out. The. superintendent arose to his feet, drawing his hand over his.forehead as though striving to wipe away the thought of their narrow escape. “McNeal!” he cried. were late!” . , “That is why,”’ answered McNeal simply. “But why did you not tell us then,” began Kane; but confusion overtook him, his face flushed and he looked at McNeal in embarrassment. ““Ves.”? McNeal nodded as if in answer to a question. “Beside I did not know then that Tom Brady—was dead. I did not find that out until I went back to him, after you had gone.” “Tt was a big thing—a mighty brave thing!” General Manager Bonner suddenly boomed in withthe first words he had spoken; he-went up to McNeal and held out his hand. “It will not be forgotten! Let me try to thank you!” “And let me, too!” Kane thrust his THE office was very still as McNeal “That’s why you hand across the desk; he tried to make the © best of a, to him, difficult situation. ‘And I hope you will overlook that little matter —about your suspension. I'll admit I was too hasty.” “That’s all right!” McNeal shook the proffered hands. “TI but did what I could.” And to Kane he added: ‘‘Certainly—don’t let that bother you. I believe I under- stand.” : “Good!” said Kane. ‘“Let’s all be seated again.” They sat down and Kane shoved a box of cigars over to McNeal. “Do you smoke?” “Sometimes,” said McNeal, and put one in his pai of McNeal 131. The superintendent lit a cigar, turning | it over in his mouth slowly; he wanted to do the thing gracefully, and McNeal had him somewhat puzzled. “T think we'll let your thirty days sus- pension stand”— Kane smiled at McNeal, . after a short pause—*“but as a vacation, on pay!” He smiled again. “A little rest will do you good.” Kane puffed away, meditating. Idly he picked a bunch of papers up from his desk; and the sight of them offered an unexpected solution to his problem. He turned to Bonner and, when the general manager silently read the question and purpose in Kane’s eye, he nodded. The superin- tendent, relief in his face, swung back to McNeal, cheerfully: “And then, you could return to your job at Sidon—or, if you will, you can come in here with me. [ll need a good man about that time. Mr. Bonner and I were discussing just before you came in.’ Once more Kane smiled ‘at McNeal, tapping the bunch of papers meaningly. ~ But McNeal did not smile. He was re- garding the superintendent with a sober gaze that never traveled far from Kane’s face. Hesat silent a minute. “Thank you,” McNeal said finally, “for the offer. And I’m sorry—but I’m afraid I can not acceptyt.” He took a letter from his poset and handed it to Kane. “My resignation,” he said. Kane was astounded. “But—why?” he stammered; he could not seem to gather it. “You astonish me! What’s the reason?” “Tt would likely be just as well, probably better, if I gave none,’ > McNeal answered quietly; and Kane felt, some way, that he was fully determined about resigning. “But you make me feel ungratefull’’ Kane protested. “I’d like very much to have you tell me!”’ - McNeal pondered that before he replied: “Tt might look that way.” He appeared to debate with himself. “Mr. Kane,” he then asked suddenly, as if he had arrived at a decision, “Why do you offer me this—promotion?” “Why,” the superintendent stumbled, slightly bewildered, and before he saw what McNeal was driving at. “Why—I want to show our appreciation —that was a EOIMICLOOO KS (C That is one of the things . (E@)