ss
sleepers wherever these required alteration, so as to make the line
level, and, generally, to keep in thorough repair the "permanent way."
Again, each of the four divisions had an inspector of signals and an
inspector of buildings, the former being responsible for the perfect
working order of all signals, and the latter, who had a few masons,
joiners, slaters, blacksmiths, and others under him, having charge of
all the stations, sheds, and other buildings on the line. Every month
each division engineer sent in to the head office a statement of
material used, and of work done; also a requisition for material
required for future use.

From all this it can easily be understood that Edwin had a fair
opportunity of finding scope for his talents; and he had indeed already
begun to attract notice as an able, energetic fellow, when Captain Lee,
as we have said, procured for him an appointment in the Clearing-House.
On the occasion of the change being made, he invited his young friend to
spend a few days at his residence in Clatterby, and thereafter, as we
have seen, they travelled together to London.

It need scarcely be said that Edwin did not neglect this golden
opportunity to try to win the heart of Emma. Whether he had succeeded
or not he could not tell, but he unquestionably received a strong
additional impulse in his good resolves--to achieve for himself a
position and a wife!

"Gurwood," said Captain Lee, after Mrs Durby had taken her departure,
"I want you to aid me in a little difficulty I have about our mutual
friend, Mrs Tipps. She is ridiculously determined not to accept of
assistance from me, and I find from that excellent nurse that they are
actually up to the lips in poverty--in fact, on the point of going down.
I think from what she said, or, rather from what she didn't say, but
hinted, that her errand to London had something to do with their
poverty, but I can't make it out. Now, I have made up my mind to help
them whether they will or no, and the question I wish to lay before you
is,--how is the thing to be done? Come, you have had some experience of
engineering, and ought to be able to cope with difficulties."

"True," replied Edwin, with a smile, "but to bend a woman's will
surpasses any man's powers of engineering!"

"Come, sir," said the captain, "that is a most ungallant speech from one
so young. You deserve to die an old bachelor. However, I ask you not
to exercise your skill in bending a