"It seems that her father had been chief draughtsman of those works for years, but had lately died. She had a strong taste for mechanics, and her father, who believed in women learning trades, had taught her mechanical drawing, first at home and then in the shop. She had helped in busy times as an extra, but never went to work for regular wages until the death of her father made it necessary. "She seemed to like to hear stories of the road, and often asked me to tell her some thrilling experience the second time. Her eyes sparkled and her face kindled when I touched on a snow-bucking experience. She often said that if she was a man she'd go on the railroad, and after such a remark she would usually sigh and smile at the same time. One day, when the engine was pretty nearly ready, she said to me: "'Mr. Wainright, who is going to fire the Experiment?' "'I don't know. I had forgot about that; I'll have to see about it.' "'It wouldn't be of much use to get an experienced man, would it--the engine will burn a new fuel in a new way?' "'No,' said I, 'not much.' "'Now,' said she, coloring a little, 'let me ask a favor of you. I have a brother who is just crazy to go out firing. I don't want him to go unless it's with a man I can trust; he is young and inexperienced, you know. Won't you take him? Please do.' "'Why, I'll be glad to,' said I. 'I'll speak to the old man about it.' "'Don't tell him it's my brother.' "'Well, all right.' "The old man told me to hire whoever I liked, and I told Miss Reynolds to bring the boy in the morning. "'Won't you wait until Monday? It will be an accommodation to me.' "Of course I waited. "The next day Miss Reynolds did not come to the office, and I was busy at the shop. Monday came, but no Miss Reynolds. About nine o'clock, however, the foreman came down to the Experiment with a boy, apparently about eighteen years old, and said there was a lad with a note for me. "Before reading the note I shook hands with the boy, and told him I knew who he was, for he looked like his sister. He was small, but wiry, and had evidently come prepared for business, as he had some overclothes under his arm and a pair of buckskin gloves. He was bashful and quiet, as boys usually are during their first experience away from home. The note read: "'DEAR MR. WAINRIGHT.--This will be handed you by brother George. I hope you will be satisfied with him. I know he will try to please you and do his duty; don't forget how green he is. I am obliged to go into the country to settle up some of my father's affairs and may not see you again before you go. I sincerely hope the "Experiment," George, and his engineer will be successful. I shall watch you all. "'G. E. REYNOLDS.' "I felt kind of cut up, somehow, about going away without bidding Old Business--as the other draughtsman called Miss Reynolds--good-by; but I was busy with the engine.