here was an apprenticeship in mechanics, and he was weighing
the scanty furnishings of the engineer's tool-box against the probable
askings of the undertaking. It was a chance to show his good-will, and
he concluded to risk it.

"Hardly. We don't stop long enough at the division station. Is it a very
bad break?"

"Indeed, I know nothing about it. The cook tells me he can't use the
range."

"May I go in and look at it?" Brockway asked.

Now President Vennor, upon recognizing Gertrude's acquaintance of the
previous summer, had determined to prevent a renewal of the intimacy at
whatever cost; but he abhorred _tables d'hote_ and railway
eating-stations, and was willing to make some concessions to avoid them.
So he gave the coveted permission, and a minute later they were in the
kitchen of the private car, inspecting the disabled range.

"It isn't as bad as it might be," Brockway announced, finally. "I think
I can stop the leak with what tools I can find in the engineer's box."

"You?"

"Yes; I'm a machinist by trade, you know. I earned my living at it
awhile, before I went into the passenger department." Brockway found a
certain measure of satisfaction in running counter to the presumed
anti-craftsman prejudice of the man of inherited wealth.

"I'm sure it is very good of you to offer, but I couldn't think of
troubling you," the President said, sparring to gain time in which to
perfect a little plan which had just suggested itself.

"Oh, it's no trouble; I shall be glad enough to help you out."

"Very well, then--if you wish to try. I will make it worth your while."

Brockway straightened up and met the appraising eyes unflinchingly.

"Excuse me, Mr. Vennor, but you've mistaken your man this time," he
said, steadily. "I'll gladly do it as a kindness--not otherwise."

The President smiled. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Brockway," he apologized,
with the faintest possible emphasis on the prefix; "we shall be most
grateful if you will come to our rescue upon your own terms. I presume
you won't have time before noon?"

"N--no," said Brockway, glancing at his watch and generously burying his
pique with the provocation; "but I'll attack it as soon as we leave
Moreno. It won't take long."

Mr. Vennor bowed, and saw his newly pledged servitor safely out upon the
hamper-laden platform. He cherished a little theory of his own
respecting the discouraging of youthful and sentimental intimacies, and
it was based upon conditi