Tommy and Jack stretched themselves on the platform to encourage the mule and dry their clothes.
CHAPTER V
TOMMY’S REQUISITION
“Ahn a winter’s mornin’ whin the wind was blowin’
At a staid an’ stiddy gai-at,
Did a Kayre sit sail wud a kayrgo laden
Out of siction siventy-eight.”
“U. P. Burns stopped on the bridge and cocked his ear. He knew the song and the singer. It was U. P.’s day to walk the track, and he was now inspecting the bridge in an officious manner, not altogether pleasing to the young gentlemen who held themselves responsible for that structure—day and night.
“Hay, there! ol’ flatobacker!” cried Tommy McGuire, from the top of a waving elm, “d’ yo’ know the trains are all over-due this morning?”
“I know they’re all on time.”