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", lad, you've passed muster and got to the head of the class!" proclaimed old John Griscom.

"Oh, no," dissented Ralph Fairbanks; "I'm just started in to learn what real railroading means."

"I'd call you a pretty apt student, then," put in Tim Forgan, foreman of the Stanley Junction roundhouse.

"If there's any man, boy or child in this doghouse who says that young Fairbanks isn't a crackerjack, let him step right up here and take his medicine!" vaunted Lemuel Fogg, playfully, but with a proud look of admiration at the expert young engineer.

"It's the best part of it to know that you fellows mean every word you say and believe in me," observed Ralph. "Your encouragement and influence have boosted me up to the Overland Express all right—I'll try and never make you ashamed of having backed me." Rh