The Argosy, Vol. XI, No. 22 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

352 THE ‘‘Great smoke ! you don’t mean to say you haven't had anything to eat! Come right along; I'll fix you.” Freeman led the way to the dining hall, and, after speak- ing to the man at the cashier's desk, he turned Dash over to the head waiter, who seated him at one of the numerous tables. ‘‘ As soon as you are through, meet me at the telegraph office,”’ called the conductor, as he went out. Soon an abundant and appetizing meal was spread before Dash, and as he discussed it he vaguely wondered what Freeman meant by saying he would not be ‘‘ left out in the cold ” after last night. Did the conductor have something in store for him, and was it a run on the pay car with him? When he had finished his meal the aspect of things had brightened considerably, so potent is a full stomach to raise confidence and courage. He at once sought the telegraph office, where Freeman was getting his orders froin the dis- patcher. ‘‘Come on, Dykeman,” cried the conductor, as he handed a copy of the order to his engineer, and hurried out. Dash obediently followed, still wondering what Freeman was going to do with him, but more willing to take anything that offered than he had been when his finances were not at such a low ebb. Freeman and his engineer made direct for the pay car, which was attached to an engine and standing on a siding. It was an ordinary passenger coach, with an office fitted up In one end. Dash noticed at once that the locomotive was headed east, and as his journey lay in the opposite direction, he hesitated before following the conductor into the car. ‘‘ What's the matter with you, Dykeman?” called Free- man from the door of the coach. ‘‘Am I to goon that car with you?” asked Dash doubt- fully. ‘Yes, certainly, Why not?” ‘* I want to go in the other direction,” protested Dash. ‘You shall go in the other direction. Come aboard.” Dash mounted the step of the car, failing to see how he was to go the other way, but he was willing to leave it to Freeman, and supposed the conductor knew what he was about, even if he himself was in the dark. ‘*Mr. Dykeman, let me present you to Mr. Barsteel, whom I believe you have met before,” said Freeman, as Dash ad- vanced toward the railing which separated the officials from a space used as a sort of reception room for the employees. A smile hovered about the conductor's mouth, and an exult- ant ring to his voice would seem to indicate he was doing a very pleasant thing. ‘“Yes, we have met before,” said Dash simply, casting a reproachful glance at Freeman, as he recognized the super- intendent. He was now convinced that the conductor had reported to the official, not only his subsequent adventures, but also the particulars of the affair at Deckerton. ‘“T’m glad to see you again, Mr. Dykeman,” said the sup- erintendent, as he stepped to the rail and held out his hand. ‘You have been very unfortunate in the outset of your journey west, and as soon as Freeman told me about it I re- quésted him to bring you here. If you will come back to us now, we will advauce your salary ten dollars a month, and put you to work at once, revoking the suspension for sixty days." The offer was certainly a very tempting one to Dash, coming as it did so unexpectedly, just when he was so much in need, and in doubt as to his ability to reach St. Louis without funds. He particularly noticed that the superinten- ARGOSY dent made no mention of the Deckerton matter, and he was now in doubt if he had been told it. “Thank you,” he murmured slowly ; and he reasoned quickly that the information that he desired to secure in St. Louis could be obtained just as well at some future time. And besides, would it not be better to return and wait until he had saved up sufficient money to make the journey and pay his board several months after his arrival there? But he told himself that if he accepted the position, he would feel bound to remain indefinitely, as long as he gave satis- faction. In addition, there was an irresistible something that seemed to tell him to continue his journey. ‘*T do not believe I care to go back,” he concluded. ‘But Freeman tells me you lost all of your money last night. How can you get on without any?” rejoined the superintendent, evidently disappointed, but with some curi- osity. ** T shall work my way by getting extra jobs with the com- mercial telegraph companies,” replied Dash, who had about decided he would take that means in Aldunta or Pittsburg to replenish his empty treasury. There is generally at all times an opening for extra operators in the telegraph offices of places of any considerable size, and a good operator has no difficulty in getting a temporary ‘“ trick" as it 1s called. ‘‘T don't believe you will work your way this time, Mr. Dykeman——” began the superintendent mysteriously. Dash looked at him in a questioning way, and then at Freeman, who seemed to be enjoying something. “For I have a pass here that will take you to Pittsburg, and by the time you get there you will find another in care of the ticket agent that will carry you to St. Louis,” con- cluded Mr. Barsteel. ‘Tam much obliged to you,” stanmmered Dash gratefully. ‘Not at all, not at all, Mr. Dykeman,” interposed the official ; ‘** that is to show we remember that /77//e affair of the switch engine.” Dash thought it was a little odd he should now receive a pass in recognition of the service, when it had been refused him on announcing his resiynation the day before. ‘Though | showed the wisdom of adhering to our rules when I refused you a pass yesterday, we always reserve the right to make exceptions,” interposed the official, partially answering the boy’s thoughts. Dash now told himself Freeman must have informed the superintendent cf the omission of the operator at Deckerton, and tts providential discovery, though the latter had as yet made no direct reterence to it. ‘And this,” began Mr. Barsteel again, as he tendered an envelope to Dash, on which was marked bis name = and the amount, $60, * is atestimonial of your service in that éze affair at Deckerton last night; or you can consider it half pay for the two months you were suspended.” “Td rather not take it,” began Dash, in confusion, but thinking more of the young operator at Deckerton than him- self, now that he was aware the superintendent knew the particulars of the affair, “* because 1 was an employee of the road at the time, and only did what any of your trainmen would have done. I want no reward but the assurance that the boy at Deckerton will be retained in the service.” “But all of our trainmen are not as vigilant and quick witted as you are, and it’s really only your just dues, Mr. Dykeman. Cutter at Deckerton shall receive nothing more serious than a letter of reprimand, in deference to your wishes.” “T thank you again,” said Dash, taking the envelope, ‘and I regret that my plans will not permit me to accept your liberal and flattering offer.”’ ecoMmceoooks COLL