Frank permitted old Joe to tell his story, and the engineer claimed that he had been seized by a fit. Merriwell had fought to handle him.
The manager looked at Frank.
“What have you to say about it, young man?” he asked.
“Nothing,” said Merry. “You have heard Mr. Hicks’ story.”
“Yes; and we can’t keep an engineer on this road who is liable to have fits. You can come around for your time to-morrow morning, Hicks.”
Old Joe staggered.
“Then I’m discharged?” he said, huskily.
The old engineer turned and went slowly out of the office, bent as with a heavy burden. The sight of him going thus filled Frank’s heart with pity, but he could do nothing for him.
“There will be another man on 33 to-morrow, Merriwell,” said the manager. “You’ll go with him. Good-night.”