“That’s the right spirit,” approved General Simpson.
“General Casement is responsible for it,” quickly spoke Chief Engineer Dodge. “His men are trained to the minute, either to work or to fight. But the Union Pacific Company doesn’t overlook individual acts of bravery. What would you like to do instead of riding that yellow mule, Terry?”
“I’d like to be out in front, exploring with the engineers, sir.”
“Oh, you would!” General Dodge’s eyes kindled. Evidently he liked that kind of work, himself. “Why? It’s the most dangerous job of all—away out in the Indian country, with only a handful of men and maybe no help except your own guns.”
“I think I’d like it, though,” stammered Terry. “If I could be any use, George Stanton’s out there somewhere.”
“Who’s George Stanton?”
“He’s another boy. He’s my pardner. We were station hands on the Overland [that was the stage line] before we joined the railroad.”
“Where is George?”
“I don’t know, exactly. He went out with his father in Mr. Bates’ survey party, as a sort of a cub to learn engineering. I guess he cuts stakes.”
“Oh, I see. The Bates party are bound from Utah, to run a line this way. But they’ll not be back before winter. Probably none of the survey parties will turn up before winter. I’m afraid it’s too late for a job with the engineers in the field, this year. Maybe you’ll have to stick to your old mule, and haul rails for General Casement.”