“I have simply taken things that came my way,” declared Frank.
“That’s all right, but it don’t make no difference. They hate ye just as bad for havin’ the chance.”
“Well, I can’t help that.”
“Of course not. They think I ought to make a kick, but I ain’t sore, and I think you got the place because you was smart, as well as lucky. You and I ain’t never had no trouble since that first time, have we?”
“No.”
“Well, we won’t. I wish ye good luck.”
Old Slugs slouched away to his work, and, ten minutes later, Frank was set to getting Engine 33 ready.
Merry started when he was put onto that engine, for it was run by his worst enemy on the road, old Joe Hicks, the uncle of the lame boy and blind girl.
Old Joe had tried in every way possible to injure Merry, but had failed in every attempt.