"Where was the conductor? He didn't seem much good!"

"They had left off the conductor on that line."

"Well, did they run over the boy? Why haven't I been informed
of the accident?"

"There was no accident. A man on the front platform saw the boy fall,
made a flying leap off the moving car, fell, but scrambled up and pulled
the boy off the track. It was sickening; I thought we were both gone!"

"Oh, you were the man?"

"I was the man; and don't you see, Mr. Armorer, why I feel
strongly on the subject? If the conductor had been on,
there wouldn't have been any occasion for any accident."

"Well, sir, you may be assured that we will take precautions
against any such accidents. It is more for our interest than
anyone's to guard against them. And I have explained to you
the necessity of cutting down our expense list."

"That is just it, you think you have to risk our lives to cut
down expenses; but we get all the risk and none of the benefits.
I can't see my way clear to helping you, sir; I wish I could."

"Then there is nothing more to say, Mr. Lossing," said Armorer, coldly.
"I'm sorry a mere sentiment that has no real foundation should stand
in the way of our arranging a deal that would be for the advantage
of both the city and our road." He rose.