"Good!" cried Ralph, grasping Slavin's hand in congratulation. "Is it true?"
"Why, yes, it is," answered Slavin proudly. "So, what's the harm in trying to post up, hey?"
"My son," observed Knight in a patriarchal fashion, "posting up and looking railroady is all right, but there's many a long, tough reach in plain buttons, and a long distance away from combustion and high grades, before you even begin to guess what you know about practical railroading. Who did you see--the master mechanic?"
"No--depot master."
"What--not put on duty here with us?" exclaimed Ralph in a really pleased tone.
"That's it," announced Slavin grandly.
"Well, I am truly glad," said Ralph.
"So am I," put in Knight--"I'll catch your mistakes like a true friend, and help you along like a brother."
"I am not going to make any mistakes," declared Slavin confidently.
"Oho! aint?" said Knight softly.