Argosy All-Story Weekly, July 11, 1925 — page 141: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

_ Manager. THE CALL OF SHINING STEEL. listened as the superintendent outlined Jim’s chance. He had been watching Jim’s res- taurant and had seen how popular it had become. Jim knew how to make a restau- rant pay. There was but the drinking against the place. Down below, in one cor- ner of the depot, the station restaurant, a place of clean white linen, of soft lights and gleaming silver, would soon without a The Frenchman who had the lease on it was going back home to the old country. ‘“ Frenchie was a good cook, and he made enough money in the five years his lease had run to retire,” was the superintendent’s comment. ‘It’s a gold mine for the right man; but,” he cautioned, “ the place has got to keep up its reputation. Will you vouch for Jim?” “ Colonel, I'll back him up to the limit. I'll go on Jim’s bond for any amount I am able to rake up.” “ Well, I would, too,” the superintendent acknowledged. ‘ When he gets out, tell him I want to see him up here.” Zeb grabbed the superintendent’s hand. “Colonel, by God, you’re—well—colonel, I'll never forget your consideration.” “Oh, that’s all right, White. I’m only too glad to be able to do something for you.” The telephone rang, and their interview ended. As Zeb went out the door he heard the superintendent say: ‘‘ And by the way, Jake, mark White off the main line. He’s signed up for the West End Division. No, the West End alone.” Zeb hurried down the stairs and back uptown. He hardly could wait till he re- turned to Jim and told him the good news. - He burst into the room. The nurse was ~ sitting beside the bed. Zeb fancied he saw her jerk her hand out of Jim’s as he came in, but the movement was so quick he was not sure. Once inside, however, he became certain of one thing: Jim was not wasting any time. Miss Annie’s confusion gave her thoughts away, and Zeb forgot momentarily _ the news he had hurried so to tell. He looked from one to the other slowly. Ee St - Miss Annie colored under his glance. Not eae Jim, however. — rather enjoy a spell of nursing again.” 295 Turning to her, he said with a grin: ‘“ Ain’t it awful? You just can’t keep a thing from him. Don’t ask any questions, Zeb, old horse, ‘but this little lady here is a going to be Mrs. Brown as soon as my dome shingles over. So, isn’t it, Annie?” She blushed and answered saucily: “Say, Jim Brown, you’re a fast. worker. Give me time to think.” “Time! You got the rest of your life to think it over after the preacher says ‘ for better, for worse, come high, low, jack or the game.’ ” CHAPTER XIX, ENTER A NEW RAILROADER. HE station dining room under Jim Brown’s management —or rather his wife’s—is far famed for its whole- some food and its quiet air of serenity. Every through train has at least a half hour layover for meals, and so far has the excel- lence of its cuisine spread that there seldom is a vacant seat at any of the tables. But no matter how crowded the place may be, there is always room for one man. Zeb White in overalls often is seated when some retired business man, fuming at the delay, must wait. For every evening a half hour before the Eastern Mail pulls out Zeb comes in to dinner. And the diners marvel at the consideration shown this man in over- alls. They little dream of the bond of friendship between the manager and the engineer. One evening, Zeb, who had finished eat- ing, spoke a few words to the pleasant faced, efficient looking woman who sat near - the door, and with a glance at his watch, remarked: “ Well, Miss Annie, Vl be moving along. It’s just ten minutes till leaving time.” ‘“‘ Zeb, how’s the wife?’’ was her reply. His face clouded, a worried wrinkle ap- peared on his forehead. ‘“‘T hope she’s O. K., but you know, Miss ) Annie, you never can tell. I haven’t heard to-day since I went through this morning.” ““ Zeb, I’m going out to see her to-morrow and may stay till—till it happens. Id : ee / f ; 3 ty, f Fy My ie t TEE ene Nc hs oli f ~ comicbooks.com — y . Sie ates ’ ry J ‘ b ’ : : - vf py Ate | (i? ex GY Me hy tagt ; \ dy bali faced ; - Ve 7 PETES TCU ROR Py AY de Mee tt RMT ra) ORI PNG echt RT Oy | IO Pk ol 4 TY" TRAP ey. ee pr ei As