Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 164: what you’re looking at

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

TRAIN AND STATION. site his, Dykeman had never seen him in it when he retired. At what hour the superintendent’s clerk was in the habit of going to sleep the agent was unable to tell, though he heard noises in the opposite chamber at various. hours—from midnight till towards early morning—that would indicate that the occupant was just getting to bed. This was repeated so often that Dash was forced to conclude that Forsdyke was dissipating and running with a fast set, for he was positive the superintend- ent’s clerk had no occupation to de- prive him of his sleeping hours. But the young man, whenever Dykeman saw. him after a night when he knew he had been keeping late hours, ap- peared as fresh and wide awake as if he had gone to bed with the chickens. It soon became clear to Dykeman, without any demonstration or words from Forsdyke, that the latter was any- thing but pleased by the advent of the young railroader as agent at Madrid. The superintendent’s clerk never failed to seize an opportunity to let the agent know, directly or by insinuation, that the latter was immeasurably beneath him, but Dykeman was only amused, and had but pity and contempt for his pretensions. It was not till one day lacking a week after his arrival that the agent had an opportunity to call on Dorothy and her aunt; and to do so, he had to bend all his energies to get his reports made before supper time. Just before six o’clock, as it was re- mittance day, he carried a money pack- age into Forsdyke’s office to get the usual receipt. ““Ah, Dykeman,” exclaimed the young man, as he took the book and package on his knee, without relin- quishing a cigarette from one hand, or the elevated position of his feet across one corner of the desk. Dykeman ventured no remark, as he found that was the best method to get along with a self conceited and dis- agreeable person. He knew that the 155 young man had not addressed him in a familiar manner because he wanted to be intimate, or even friendly. Fors- dyke spoke in a patronizing way, much as a gentleman would to a favored ser- vant. . He noticed that as Forsdyke'scanned the money envelope a frown gathered on his brow. ‘* Why, how is this, Dykeman? Your remittance has fallen off to nothing al- most,’ the latter continued. ‘ That’s all the receipts that I have had, Mr. Forsdyke,” replied Dash shortly, with slight emphasis on the mister. He knew why the remittance was less than usual, but he felt that it was nrione of the other’s business, and did not advance an explanation. Forsdyke receipted for the package, and handed the book back to the agent, who started out. “Hold on, Dykeman, I want to speak to you,” interposed the superin- tendent’s clerk. “Well?” responded Dash, stopping and turning on his heel. “T was down at Miss Orloff’s the other evening, and she was saying that she thought it odd you had not called.” “Well?” repeated Dash, not very much pleased to hear the other use Dorothy’s name, or that he was a vis- itor at her house. “Well, I understand you are going down there this. evening,’ continued Forsdyke. “Yes; what about it?’’ and Dash flushed, wondering how he got his in- formation. ‘Then his heart gave a bound, and he was filled with a sicken- ing doubt, as he asked himself: Was it possible Dorothy was on such intimate terms with Forsdyke as to tell him such things? “Tf I were you, Dykeman, I wouldn’t go down there,” replied the latter, as if he was conferring a favor. “Why?” asked Dash, quickly and with curiosity. “ Because Mrs. want you there, and Lesides Handiford d t andifor _ oesn t eo