All these things combined to show to the most casual observer that something was up. In the face of every officer of the road at this particular point there was a look of anxiety, as though he might be repeating:—
"He 'll cut me off or let me stay,
Just as he happens to feel to-day."
The division superintendent, who had just gone into the despatcher's office, was an exception to the rule that all subordinate officials are afraid of a new management. He knew his business and knew he could go with the retiring manager to another road. He simply went about his work without any unnecessary noise. The train-master was of a different caste. He was as nervous as a maiden lady in her first bicycle suit. Having sent the "trick "man away he was handling the trains himself, to make sure that everything was O. K.'d.
"I sent a girl over here yesterday,—an operator—" said the superintendent, after they had fixed the meeting point, "and you sent her away. I have instructed her to call here again this morning, and I hope you will be good
