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"Have you had any experience at railroad work?" asked the trainmaster.

"Never, sir; but I have been about railroads so much, watching the men work, that I feel confident I would have no difficulty fulfilling the duties of a brakeman."

"Where are your parents? You are aware, of course, that we cannot employ you without their consent; you are not yet of age,—that is evident from your appearance."

This conversation took place between Trainmaster Tuckle, of the M————— Division at Pittsburg [sic], Pa., and a pale, dark-eyed boy who was applying for work on the road. It was at a time when brakemen were very scarce and work on the Division at its best, requiring all the extra crews possible to keep the yards clear. At such times many vacancies are filled by men who might have found it difficult to secure employment when business was not so brisk.