The absolute loneliness of the brother and sister affected Frank, and he resolved to do everything in his power to brighten their lives. Thus it came about that he was so often with them. He took pleasure in playing upon the guitar, and he regretted to discover that his work was beginning to stiffen his fingers. Having made this discovery, he bought a preparation to use on his hands to keep them from growing stiff.
Among the engineers was one by the name of Joe Hicks, a man with a coal-black mustache and a sullen face. Hicks drank a great deal, but he was one of the best engineers on the road, and he managed to keep his job. He was surly when he was not well filled with liquor, and brutal when he had been drinking.
The wipers, with the exception of Old Slugs, who was back at work, were afraid of Hicks. Not one of them liked the job of cleaning his engine, for a speck of dirt left anywhere brought a growl.
And it happened before a week was out that Frank was put onto Hicks’ engine.
The engineer had not left the roundhouse when Merry began work. On his way out he paused and stared at Frank.
“Here!” he growled; “what are you doing?”
“Cleaning this engine, sir.”
“Who told ye to?”
“Mr. Ganzell.”
That was the name of the foreman.