f the road
and persons living near Wilmer. The locomotive and cars were gaily
decorated with bunting. Limpy Joe was bustling around his restaurant
stand at the depot, happy and chipper. Zeph Dallas was the proud
conductor, and Earl Danvers the brakeman of the train. Mr. and Mrs.
Gibson, Mrs. Fairbanks, Mr. Trevor and some of their friends formed a
party by themselves. It was a regular gala occasion. The first trip
was a grand success. People along the line greeted the train with glad
cheers, and, returning to headquarters, a sumptuous repast was spread
for the guests of the new road.

"Well, we are a happy family party," said Farwell Gibson with
enthusiasm, as, that evening, his employes sat around the supper table
at headquarters.

"Yes," nodded Trevor. "To-morrow actual work begins. We have splendid
prospects, loyal employes, and the Springfield & Dover Short Line is a
grand success."

"I cannot too deeply announce my feelings towards you, Fairbanks,"
said Mr. Gibson. "It is to your friendship and co-operation that I
owe, in a measure, all my good fortune in completing the railroad."

"A grand lad," applauded old John Griscom heartily. "His pluck and
perseverance have helped us all out of difficulties many a time."

"Three cheers for the boy who helped to build a railroad!" cried Zeph
Dallas.

They were given with enthusiasm, and Ralph had to respond with a
speech.

"I believe this is the happiest moment of my life," he declared. "I
have been through some strenuous times, but all has ended well."

And then what a cheer went up!

Ralph imagined that now, since his enemies had been disposed of, quiet
times were ahead. But this was not to be. Adventures in plenty still
awaited him, and what some of them were will be related in another
story, to be called "Ralph on the Overland Express; or, The Trials and
Triumphs of a Young Engineer."

"It was certainly a great day, mother," said the young fireman, when
he got home from the celebration.

"Yes, Ralph," answered Mrs. Fairbanks. "And to think that you helped
to make that day possible. Oh, I am proud of you!" And she gave him a
fond caress.

"And the best of it is, that we have all those thousands of dollars,"
continued the young fireman. "We are not exactly rich, but we are
comfortably situated, eh?"

"Yes, indeed, Ralph! But listen to me. Do you want to leave the
railroad? You might go into business, or go to college, or----"

"No, no, mother! I was bor