Two days later the young fireman reported at the roundhouse for duty, and the ensuing morning started on a new term of service as fireman of the Limited Mail.
The first trip out Griscom was engineer. Ralph noticed that he looked pale and worried. The run to the city was made in a way quite unusual with the brisk and lively veteran railroader. Ralph waited until they were on their way home from the roundhouse that evening. Then he said:
“Mr. Griscom, you have not been your usual self to-day.”
“That’s true, lad,” nodded the engineer gravely.
“Anything the matter especially?”
“Oh, a little extra care on my mind and under the weather a bit besides,” sighed Griscom.
“Can I help you in any way?” inquired Ralph.
“No, lad—we must all bear our own troubles.” 209
The next day Griscom did not report for duty at train time. A man named Lyle was put on extra duty. Ralph did not know him very well nor did he like him much. He understood that he was a fine engineer but that he had been warned several times for drinking.
As he came into the cab, Ralph noticed that his eyes were dull and shifty, his hands trembled and he bore all the appearance of a man who had been recently indulging in liquor to excess.