Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/815

Rh "Opening of the other line?" queried the young fireman.

"Exactly. Special invitation for both of us," went on Griscom, with a chuckle.

"Well, I hope everything pans out right," said Ralph. "Our friends have worked hard enough, goodness knows."

The day for the opening of the new railroad came, and Ralph and the old engineer took the early morning train for Wilmer. Not a few friends accompanied them.

"It's a great day for Van and for Mr. Gibson," said Ralph. "And a great day for Zeph and Earl too," he added, with a smile. Earl's uncles had been hailed into court, and a new guardian had been appointed for the boy.

A little after noon that day the formal opening of the Springfield & Dover Railroad was celebrated.

Two beautiful passenger coaches were filled with friends of the road and persons living near Wilmer. The locomotive and cars were gaily decorated with bunting. Limpy Joe was bustling around his restaurant stand at the depot, happy and chipper. Zeph Dallas was the proud conductor, and Earl Danvers the brakeman of the train. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Fairbanks, Mr. Trevor and some of their friends formed a party