“Look here, you bridge man." be
cried, "what'd you shut us back for"
! We're in a big hurry an' could a' got
| through in another minute, an’ there
| was plenty o’ time. D’ye know who
i I'm carrying?”
“James, James’" came a stern voice
from the car. That is enough. The
man did just rigid. 1 was watching
It xvas as fine a Int of calculation a*
T ever saw.” Then ns the. car came
opposite the old man: “Let me—but
hello! Where is the regular keeper."
“Why. sir, I—think lie's gone over
i to the ball game for just a few min
j utes," hesitated the old man.
i “And left you to fill his place?"
; “Yes, sir "
| "You are an experienced bridge
keeper. I see.”
"N<>— no, sir. I never tried the work
, before this."
“I'm’ Then von are quick to pick
|it up. The young man showed you
about it. I suppose?
"No. he -he was in quite a good ileal
of a hurry, and just asked me to look
out for the work. But I'm handy
about pickin’ up things. I've been on
board ship most of my life, sir."
"Oh. a sailor. That accounts for
your quick Jtiding of Imat*' speed
And- uni!-a stranger, and lie aakeq
you to look out for his job and did
not wait to tell you what to do. You
said for a few minutes, fan you tell
me exactly how long lie has been
gone?" >
‘Two hours, mebbe." reluctantly.
“How would you like this job for
yourself?"
The old man caught his breath, but
shook his head.
