“What does this mean?” asked my father, manifesting much interest in the event.
“I don’t know; but the message reminds me of what Tommy said when we parted,” I replied.
“What did he say?”
“When I told him I would rather serve than injure him, he replied that perhaps I might have a chance to prove what I said.”
“It may be that the major intends to make you an offer,” added my father. “I have no doubt he feels very sore about the events of this afternoon.”
“Very likely he does, for we certainly beat the Lightning Express all to pieces; and I am confident we can do it every time we try, on the down trip.”
“Suppose he should make you an offer?” inquired my father anxiously. “What if he should offer you three or four dollars a day to run the Lightning Express?”
“I am glad you asked the question, father, for my mind is made up. I may be wrong, but I think I am right. I should decline the offer.”
“If he offered you more wages than the colonel agreed to pay you?”
“Colonel Wimpleton has fairly engaged me to run the Ucayga,” I replied, taking my hat from the nail. “It would not be right for me to leave him without giving him reasonable notice of my intention to do so.”