“Say, Aust, if anything's in the wind, I wish you'd let me know. I'll keep it quiet.”
“I think I shall be safe in promising that, Ham,” said Austen. “When there's anything in the wind, you generally find it out first.”
“There's trouble coming for the railroad,” said Mr. Tooting. “I can see that. And I guess you saw it before I did.”
“They say a ship's about to sink when the rats begin to leave it,” said Austen.
Although Austen spoke smilingly, Mr. Tooting looked pained.
“There's no chance for young men in that system,” he said.
“Young men write the noble parts of the governor's inaugurals,” said Austen.
“Yes,” said Mr. Tooting, bitterly, “but you never get to be governor and read 'em. You've got to be a 'come on' with thirty thousand dollars to be a Northeastern governor and live next door to the Honourable Hilary in the Pelican. Well, so long, Aust. If anything's up, give me the tip, that's all I ask.”
Reflecting on the singular character of Mr. Tooting, Austen sought the Gaylords' headquarters, and found them at the furthermost end of the building from the Railroad Room. The door was opened by young Tom himself, whose face became wreathed in smiles when he saw who the visitor was.
“It's Austen!” he cried. “I thought you'd come down when you got that appeal of mine.”