better come back into a passenger."

But the old fireman wouldn't think of deserting his post so far as that.

The next instant the conductor's lantern waved back and forth, dense
volumes of smoke rolled from the smoke-stack, and snorting as if with
rage at being driven on again, the engine forged on along its iron
pathway.

"Where have you been to-day, Rock?" asked the engineer, as they were
once more spinning along at a flying rate.

"Down to Fairfax to see if I could get a job. You know I got turned off
the section."

"No--you don't mean it! I'll bet Gammon was at the bottom of it."

"I am sure of it. He has boasted I shouldn't stay there long."

"Zounds! I'd like to shake the rascal out of his jacket. He's been
wanting Gilly's place; but he can't get it. What do you want?"

"To brake."

"Get it?"

"Nothing certain. I have little hope, for Donald Minturn will never let
me get there if be can help it."

"The old snake! I never did like him. So he isn't over fond of you?"