Page:Ralph on the Railroad.djvu/860

36 our veteran engineer, and a rare good friend of mine, told me about a cheap, comfortable lodging house to put up at. It's some distance from the depot, but I believe I shall go there."

"Good idea," approved Clark. "I've been in some of those railroad men's hotels yonder, and they're not very high toned—nor clean."

"What's your program?" inquired Ralph.

"Got to sleep, I suppose, so, if I'm not too much of a bore and it's pleasing to you, I'll try the place your friend recommends."

"I shall be delighted," answered Ralph.

Within half-an-hour both tired lads tumbled into their beds in rooms adjoining in a private house about half a mile from the depot. Ralph stretched himself luxuriously, as he rested after the turmoil and labor of what he considered the most arduous day in his railroad career.

The young engineer awoke with the bright sun shining in his face and was out of bed in a jiffy. These lay-over days had always been prized by the young railroader, and he planned to put the present one to good use. He went to the closed door communicating with the next room and tapped on it.

"Hey, there!" he hailed briskly, "time to get up," then, no response coming, he opened the door to find the apartment deserted.