“Why, if what you say is true,” he remarked dejectedly, “I’m next to being good for nothing.”
“Oh, no,” said Ralph, “don’t you be discouraged at all. You have the starting point of every ambition—an idea. I myself do not think much of the detective line for one as young as you are. As to railroading, I can tell you one fact.”
“What’s that?” interrogated Zeph dreamily.
“You must begin at the bottom of the ladder and take one step at a time—slow steps, sure steps, to reach the top.”
“You’re a fireman, aren’t you?” asked Zeph, admiringly.
Ralph answered that he was, and this led to his relating to the curious and interested Zeph the story of his career from roundhouse worker and switch tower man to the present position.
“It’s fascinating, ain’t it?” said Zeph, with a long-drawn breath, when Ralph concluded his recital. “I reckon I’ll give up the detective idea. Can you help me get a position in the roundhouse?”
“I am willing to try,” assented Ralph. “You 39 are strong and used to hard work, and that means a good deal in the roundhouse service.”
Ralph suggested a stroll before bedtime. Zeph was glad for the exercise. Once they were outside, Ralph broached a subject he had been thinking over all the evening.
“Zeph,” he said, “I want to ask you a very important question.”