Old Slugs, his face patched up with plaster, came back and went to work on the engine he had been cleaning. He moved slowly, as if he felt sore in every limb.
The foreman smiled the least bit as he watched the man. He nodded his head, and there was an expression of satisfaction on his dark face. Then he turned to Frank Merriwell.
“A fellow who could whip Martin Hall should have grit enough for anything,” he said. “Come back to-morrow morning, prepared for work. You shall have a job.”
The following morning Frank Merriwell appeared at the roundhouse in overalls and jumper, ready for work. His working clothes were new and clean, in contrast to the clothes of the other wipers, who stared at him, grinned and made comments on his “dudish” appearance. Although Frank could hear nearly every word spoken, he paid not the slightest attention to anything the men said. He was there to work, and he waited for the foreman to appear and tell him what he was to do.
“He’ll leave quick,” declared one of the wipers.
“It’s two to one he’ll quit before noon,” said another.
“Nivver a bit can yez tell about thot, me b’ys,” put in a young Irishman with a pleasant face. “He had th’ grit to b’ate th’ shtuffin’ oout av Ould Sloogs, an’ it’s a fair chance he’ll be afther havin’ th’ grit to shtay and wor-ruk, no matther av he don’t loike it. Oi’ll bet me money on him.”
Frank gave the speaker a grateful look. He saw a begrimed but rather comely youth of twenty, who looked as if he had a heart overflowing with good nature.
The wipers went to work, relieving those who were there, and the machinists appeared and began their tasks of the day.
After a little, Frank found himself left quite alone, and he began to feel restless and long to be doing something.
A man was beckoning to him, and he hastened toward him.
“Get hold of this casting and help me lift it. I’ll carry the biggest part of it, for it’s heavy.”
Frank’s pride was touched. Immediately he stooped and picked up the heavy casting without assistance.
“Well--you’re--no--baby! Bring it over here.”
Frank obeyed and put it down as directed.
“That’s all right, young fellow,” said the machinist; “but I advise you not to keep it up. If you do, you’ll find all the heavy lifts shouldered onto you. I see you are new here. Don’t be too ambitious to show what you can do.”