She did not look at Larry as the latter came in; but Mr. Kendall did so, in a resolute way that showed his mind to have been thoroughly made up to an important course. "I wish you to run the engine for me at the iron works for a few days," were Mr. Kendall's first words, and they were enough to make Larry's heart beat quick in anticipation. "I shall like that," he replied. Then, seeing none of his own enthusiasm reflected in the sad face of his mother, he added: "Are you ill, father, or hurt?" "I am well," Mr. Kendall answered, and then was silent, making a pretense of beginning to eat. "Your father thinks of going on a journey," Mrs. Kendall said, in response to her son's puzzled look. Larry was keen enough to observe that, whatever the trouble might be, it was something which they did not wish to discuss before him; and, while he was naturally curious to learn the cause of his father's sudden journey, he was too discreet to ask any questions about the matter. "Did you speak to Mr. Gardner about my running the engine?" he asked, as he took his seat at the table. "No; that wasn't necessary. You have taken my place several times within a year, when I have been away or ill, and you are always with me when your school isn't keeping. I have told him more than once that you knew about the engine as well as I did; and you know I have always taken pains to explain everything, and to have you do all of the work at times, when I was there to show you how." Larry's heart swelled with pride under these frankly spoken words. His father was not much given to praising any one, and the boy had often felt hurt that no word of acknowledgment ever came as a reward when he had successfully done some difficult work. This made the praise which came now all the more inspiring. Mr. Gardner, the superintendent, had frequently given his shoulder an approving tap, and Joe Cuttle, the fireman, often said that "the lad could run the engine as well as any man." But Mr. Kendall, who ought to have been the first to observe and appreciate his son's success, seemed scarcely to have given it a thought. "He may reason that I'll try harder if I think I'm not perfect than I would if he praised me more," Larry often told himself, and now the long-wished-for expression of confidence had come. [Illustration: LARRY] [Illustration: "I WANT YOU TO TAKE THIS FELLOW AWAY FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE WE'RE ALL BLOWN OUT OF THE BUILDING TO PAY FOR HIS CARELESSNESS."] With so much to think about, Larry could eat but little breakfast, and his appetite was not improved by the manifest distress of his mother and the taciturnity of his father. "It is nearly six, Larry," reminded the latter, breaking the silence. "Yes, sir. I will go right along." He flung on his cap and buttoned up his coat, lingering at the door for a parting word from his father. But none came. "What shall I say to Mr. Gardner?" Larry asked, unable to go without breaking the silence. "You needn't say anything."