“The order was quickly repeated, and the boy walked leisurely away. It was but a few minutes until a little dark-haired man, with long black whiskers and large expressive eyes, entered the office. His garments were covered with grease and smut, and his hands were thrust deep down in his pockets, and a don’t-care sort of expression was visible on his face.
“‘Is number seven in good running order, Mr. Steelbrim?’ inquired the operator.
“‘Apple-pie, hunkadory, O. K.—no mistake. Never nothing wrong with that old gal when under my command, you bet!’ was replied by the greasy little man as he limped across the floor, for his left leg was shorter by two inches than the other.
“‘How long before you can heat her up and be ready to make a quick run to Memphis, Mr. Steelbrim?’
“‘Do it in less than no time, sir; the old gal’s pretty hot now—just began to cool her off. She hain’t been in more’n ten minits; but what’s up?’
“‘An extra train to Memphis; a quick run—very important—no time to be lost—get ready immediately; take one coach and back down here, and the orders will be ready.’
“‘Good! The old gal can make the run in two hours, if she has a clean road and no bigger load than one coach. Glad to make the run—wanted to go to Memphis anyhow—sweetheart there—want to see her—was going to ask for leave anyway—ten minits we’ll be off like a greased streak of lightnin’!’
“The greasy little man moved away as if he meant business.
“‘Number seven is in good order—Mr. Steelbrim anxious to make the run,’ said the operator to the superintendent by wire.
“‘Start him at 8:50 with one coach. Let him make the run in 2:30 if he can. Order track to be cleared. Tell number four to take side track at Sardis. Number seven will only stop two minutes at Sardis for orders—two minutes at Hernando for same purpose—no other stop to be made.’