The master mechanic, old Tom Johnson, was checking over the schedule of the mail with Fred Henshaw, who was to pull the mail.
“What do you want?” growled Johnson when he saw Tim standing in the doorway.
“I’m from the News,” replied Tim. “The superintendent wanted a reporter to ride the mail tonight.”
“What’s your name?” asked the master mechanic.
“Tim Murphy.”
“Oh, so you’re the flying reporter,” smiled Johnson as he got out of his chair and shook hands with Tim. “I’ve read a lot about you. Glad to know you. Meet Fred Henshaw. He’ll give you a few thrills tonight.”
Tim and the engineer shook hands.
“We won’t go as fast as you do by plane,” smiled the engineer, “But we’ll go places.” “I’m looking forward to the trip,” said Tim. “It will be a real experience.”
The telephone rang and the master mechanic answered.
“The dispatcher says the mail will be in on the advertised,” he said. “That gives us a break for the test run.”