rtrude to
the foot-board; "Mr. Maclure says you may have his seat for awhile."

Gertrude acquiesced unquestioningly. For some cause as yet unclassified,
acquiescence seemed to be quite the proper thing when she was with
Brockway, though docility with others was not her most remarkable
characteristic. When she was safely bestowed, Maclure rang the bell and
gave Brockway his instructions.

"Next stop's Red Butte--twenty-seven miles--thirty-eight minutes o'
card-time--no allowance for slowin' down at Corral Siding. And if you
can twist 'em any quicker, do it. Turn her loose."

The engineer betook himself to the fireman's box, and Brockway's
resolution was taken on the spur of the moment.

"Do just as I tell you, Miss Vennor, and I'll give you a brand-new
experience," he said, quickly. "Take hold of this lever and pull--both
hands--pull hard!"

Gertrude did it simply because she was told to, and it was not until the
engine lunged forward that she understood what it was she was doing.
"Oh, Mr. Brockway--I can't!" she cried; "it won't mind me!"

"Yes, it will; I'll show you how. Push it back a little; you mustn't
tear your fire. There; let her make a few turns at that."

Gertrude clung to the throttle as if she were afraid it was alive and
would escape, but her eyes sparkled and the flush of excitement mounted
swiftly to cheek and brow.

"Now give her a little more--just a notch or two--that's enough. You
needn't hold it; it won't run away," Brockway said, laughing at her.

"I shall go daft if I don't hold something! Oh, _please_, Mr. Brockway!
I know I shall smash everything into little bits!"

"No, you won't; I sha'n't let you. A little more steam, if you please;
that's right. Now take hold of this lever with both hands, brace
yourself and pull steadily."

The reversing-lever of a big ten-wheeler is no child's plaything, and he
stood ready to help her if she could not manage it. But Miss Vennor did
manage it, though the first notch or two had to be fought for; and
Maclure, who had quite forgotten his promise not to look on, applauded
enthusiastically.

"Good!" said Brockway, approvingly; "you are doing famously. Now a
little more throttle; that's enough."

The 926 forged ahead obediently, and Gertrude began to enter into the
spirit of the thing.

"This is simply Titanic!" she exclaimed. "What shall I do next?"

"Cut her back a little more," Brockway commanded; "two notches. Now a
little more steam--more y