“There’s a big excitement on this side of the lake. Everybody says Lewis Holgate must step down, and take the dummy.”
“I’m willing.”
“Can you beat them then, Wolf?”
“We can beat them on the down trip from Centreport. But we don’t expect to do much till next spring; then the Lake Shore Railroad may hang up its fiddle, except for business with Middleport and the towns upon the line.”
“Is that so?” asked Tom, opening his eyes.
“No doubt of it. But I wanted to see you about another matter. Have you any work on hand?”
“Nothing but odd jobs,” replied Tom, suddenly looking as sad as it was possible for so good-natured a fellow to look. “I must find something to do that will pay me better, or it will go hard with my mother this winter. She isn’t able to do much.”
“I can put you in the way of doing something for a week or two, which will pay you pretty well. The Belle is engaged to go up the lake next week with a fishing-party; but, as things are now, I can’t go with her.”
“I’m your man!” exclaimed Tom, his eyes sparkling with pleasure, for this was a job after his own heart.
“All right. Let us settle on the terms.”