Page:George Collins - A Strange Railroad Wreck.pdf/32

18 says I may get an eight-hour position after awhile, and then the extra money, you know———"

"Oh, I see! Mr. Fleming is your legal adviser now! Of course being employed as telegraph operator on the road where he is working will be very nice indeed!"

"Now, you know that I will seldom see him except here at home as usual; for when a train does stop at a telegraph office it is only for a few minutes, and then no person but the conductor and engineer go inside to sign orders."

"And you will be working at night, too, will you not?"

"Yes, for a while; all telegraphers have to take their turn at night work. But the railroad company pays almost double what I am receiving now from the Postal Company, and I think this difference in salary makes up for all the disadvantages of the new position."

"Well, I am sorry to see you go—I do not like the responsibilities which you will have upon you. Several of our roomers have told me about the dangers of railroading on single track, and how much their lives and the lives of passengers depend on the telegrapher. One little error in receiving a train order, the failure to deliver one after it is received—which is possible when you have a number on your desk at one time—or going to sleep even for five