“I’ll answer that,” interposed Tim Forgan sharply. “He was here, you weren’t. He holds the run till a better man comes along.”
Evans stood glaring at Ralph for a few minutes. Then he moved to the youth’s side.
“See here, kid,” he observed, “I want this run specially. It’ll be a regular, for Cooper is going with another road. I’m a man and must earn a man’s wages. You’re only a kid. I’ve got a family. Come, give me the run and I’ll treat you handsomely,” and the speaker extended a cigar.
“Thank you, I don’t smoke,” said Ralph. Then looking the man squarely in the eyes, he said: “Mr. Evans, I’ll give up the run on one condition.”
“What’s that?” inquired Evans eagerly.
“If you will sign the pledge, work steadily, and give your wages to your family as you should do.”
“I’ll do it!” shouted Evans, not a whit shame-facedly.
“No, you won’t,” announced Forgan. “Fairbanks, kindness is kindness, but business is business. If you drop this run, it goes to the next extra on the list according to routine.” 4
“Bah, you’re all down on me!” flared out Evans, and left the place in a rage.
“It would do no good, Fairbanks, to help that man,” observed Dave Adams. “He would sign anything to secure a personal advantage and never keep his word. He squanders all his money and won’t last long in the Great Northern, I can tell you.”