"That kid's been spoiling for just this for some time," observed a gray-bearded engineer.
"Has he?" echoed an extra--"well, just! He's been the bane of Forgan's life ever since he came here. The boss had to keep him because Ike's father is a crony, but he's getting real enjoyment for the privilege!"
There was nothing malicious in Ralph's nature, but he felt that Ike Slump deserved a lesson. Ralph proceeded calmly on his way as though nothing had happened, carried his can of sand over to the bench, mixed it well in one of the small oil pails, took up the other and some waste, and went over to one of the two switch engines that had just come in.
They stood on adjacent tracks, not yet run to stall. Ralph began his first task as a real wiper. He had watched Ike carefully, and it was no trick at all to follow in his mechanical groove, and much improve his system, besides.
Ralph was busy on the bell as the door of foreman's office was thrust open.
Ike Slump was as quickly thrust out. He was blubbering, limp, and smarting with pain.
Forgan was red-faced and panting from his exertions.
"Now then," he said, "you get to work, or get out and home to your father, just as you like."
"He'll kill me if I do!" came from Ike.
"He ought to. Hustle there, now!"