Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/1052

228 "but I'm in pretty close touch with conditions along the lines. If I can explain anything"

"You can. That is the old Shelby division?" inquired the official, his finger point resting on a line on the chart running due southeast between the Mountain Division and the South Branch out of Rockton.

"Yes, sir," assented the foreman proudly. "You know it has been practically abandoned except for coal freight, since the south line was completed. It's used as a belt line now—transfer at Shelby Junction."

"What's the condition."

"Risky. We sent a freight over this morning. It got through four hours late."

"But it got through, you say?" spoke the official earnestly. "Get the dispatcher again. Ask for details on that division. Don't lose any time."

The foreman was busy at the 'phone for some minutes. As he held the receiver suspended in his hand, he reported to the railroad president:

"Snow and drifting wind reported between here and Dunwood."

"What else?"

"Look out for washouts and culverts and bridges damaged by running ice and water between Dunwood and Kingston."