ain. Proceeding thither in response to a message, Alex and
Jack found Wilson, who had been picked up at the viaduct station,
Construction Superintendent Finnan and several other Middle Western
officials.

Having greeted them warmly, the division superintendent took a small
package from his desk, and opened it. "I know you don't like speeches,
boys," he began; "and in any case, I'm not sure I could do justice to the
occasion. But, here! These three gold watches--the very finest the
company's money could buy, I may say--will show you what we think of the
loyalty to the company, and the splendid courage you three lads displayed
last Saturday night in defense of the Antelope viaduct.

"I might just read one of the inscriptions," he said, opening Alex's
watch.

"'To Alex Ward, from the Middle Western Railroad, in recognition of the
heroic part he played in the defense of the Antelope viaduct, November
2nd, 18--, and in thus ensuring the victory of the Middle Western in its
memorable race with the K. & Z. for the Yellow Creek Pass.'

"For that is precisely what it meant," declared the superintendent. "The
pass is ours now, beyond any chance.

"And finally," he concluded, as Alex, Jack and Wilson, scarcely knowing
what to say, took the three beautiful watches, "I would just like to
remark that if you three boys do not some day stand where I stand, or
higher, I'll be both greatly surprised and disappointed."

* * * * *

That this prediction was justified, you can to-day learn from any
directory of railroad officials--for there, in the pages devoted to the
Middle Western, you will find the name of Alexander Ward, Superintendent,
Western Division; John Orr, Superintendent, Central Division; and, as
General Superintendent of Telegraphs, Wilson A. Jennings.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG RAILROADERS***

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