Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/71

 "Gee," said Beany at length, "I wish it would hurry up. This board is gettin' sharp." But the words were barely out of his mouth when the locomotive whistle sounded and the yardmaster and switch-men hurried into the yard to help in the disposition of the section. Presently it came thundering and panting, hissing and roaring, into the yard.

A mighty locomotive drew the section, which was made up of about thirty gaudy, gilded cars. They were almost a show in themselves, even before they disgorged their wonderful freight. The locomotive stopped almost in front of the three boys, and they were all excitement.

"Now, fellers," cried Pickles, "you just keep your eyes open and I will tell you all about it. See that chap with the blue coat and the eap, the one just climbing down from the first car? That is the mailman. He's headed straight for the post-office. He goes three times a day and gets a bushel of mail each time. See that