"It's a part of the business to take things as they come, mother," observed Ralph. "It's a fight nowadays in every line where there is progress. The Great Northern is in the right, and will win, and it is my duty to help in the battle." When he came to look over his injured arm Ralph found a pretty bad bruise near the shoulder. His mother declared that it would need attention for some days to come. "By which you mean, I suppose," remarked Ralph with a smile, "that you want to coddle me off duty. Can't be done, mother. I must stay on deck as long as I can pull a lever. Ouch!" Ralph winced as he happened to give his arm a twist. "You may change your mind by morning, my son," observed Mrs. Fairbanks, with a slight motherly triumph in her tone. When Ralph arose the next day he remembered those words. His arm was so stiff he could scarcely bend it at the elbow, and his hand was badly swollen. He had just finished breakfast when there came a ring at the telephone, which Ralph answered. "That you, Fairbanks?" sounded the voice of the paymaster. "Yes, Mr. Little." "How is that arm of yours this morning?" "Not quite as well as I would like it to be." "I called you up to tell you that you will probably hear from the general superintendent this forenoon," continued Mr. Little. "About last night's affair I suppose?" "In a line with that, yes. He was with me for over three hours last night, and he's pretty well stirred up. Your injured arm will be a good excuse for canceling your run for a few days." "But I have no idea of canceling my run," declared Ralph. "I'll have that arm in working shape when the Overland pulls out today." "I'm giving you a hint, that's all," answered the paymaster. "I feel pretty sure the superintendent intends to schedule you for special duty." CHAPTER VIII THE OLD SWITCH SHANTY Ralph came out of the house with a thoughtful look on his face. His arm was in a sling and he quite looked the invalid. His mother followed him to the door. "You see, I was the wisest," spoke Mrs. Fairbanks. "Yes, mother, you predicted that I wouldn't feel quite so spry this morning as last night. All the same, if it wasn't for the word just sent me by the general superintendent, you would see me on the regular Overland trip." "It wouldn't be right," dissented Mrs. Fairbanks. "Suppose your arm gave out at a critical moment of your run?" "I shouldn't let it," declared Ralph. "It puzzles me, though--the word from headquarters." "It was rather strange," assented his mother. "The superintendent simply 'phoned me that I was to remain on the invalid list for a day or two. He said he was going to Rockton, and would be back tomorrow morning, and would expect me then at a conference at ten o'clock. In the meantime all I need to do, he said, was to hang around town, show myself about the yards and the general offices, but to be sure to wear my arm in a sling."