CHAPTER XXI.
FRANK DISCOVERS A BREAK.
Engine wipers are severe critics of engineers. They know whose engine is always in first-class order, wedges never down, nuts and bolts in place and tight, and other things as they should be.
Frank rapidly became familiar with all the outward and visible parts of a locomotive, for he had plenty of opportunities to see them taken to pieces by the mechanics, with whom he soon became a favorite, because of his pleasing manners and readiness to do anything.
Manners have much to do with the success of a young man in the world. The one who is polite, courteous and willing to make an effort to please is certain to stand far better show of success than he who is indifferent, thoughtless and rude.
Many young men are taught self-reliance and aggressiveness, and they pay too little attention to the forms and conventionalities of life. On this account they are apt to value too lightly the little courtesies which mark the man of real politeness.
It is said that but for Washington’s courteous bearing and conciliatory manners the War of the Revolution might not have been brought to a successful close. A person entirely familiar with the history of this country at that period, must appreciate the remarkable tact Washington used in allaying sectional jealousies. But for his unselfishness and polished manners he could not have succeeded in reconciling so many conflicting interests and unharmonious elements.
Napoleon well knew the value of courtesy. No great military commander was ever more beloved by the officers and men who served under him, and, while he felt it necessary to observe a certain degree of dignity in his bearing, he often, however, put himself on a footing of perfect equality with the common soldiers. He was known to share his rations with a soldier and to drink from the canteen of a sentinel.
Chesterfield declared that the art of pleasing is, in truth, the art of rising and distinguishing oneself, and of making a fortune and figure in the world.
Frank Merriwell lost no opportunity to please those with whom he was dealing, and, although he had been regarded as something of a dude when he entered the roundhouse, his associates soon found he was ready and willing to attempt any and all kinds of work. He never grumbled, and he was always volunteering to do things.
Thus it was not strange that some of the wipers quickly grew jealous of him, thinking he was shown too many favors.