lton, and forming the 9:15 p.m. Up Ordinary
Train from Whiteheath. Greatgun Street to provide Engines and Guards
for this service."

This is but a slight specimen of the providing, dovetailing, timing, and
guarding that has to be done on all the lines in the kingdom. In the
same sheet from which the above is quoted, we find notes, cautions, and
intimations as to such various matters as the holding of the levers of
facing points when trains are passing through junctions; the attention
required of drivers to new signals; the improper use of telegraph bells;
the making search for lost "passes;" the more careful loading of goods
waggons; the changes in regard to particular trains; the necessity of
watchfulness on the part of station-masters, robberies having been
committed on the line; the intimation of dates when and places where
ballast trains are to be working on the line; the times and, places when
and where repairs to line are to take place during the brief intervals
between trains of the ordinary traffic; and many other matters, which
naturally lead one to the belief that superintendents of railways must
possess the eyes of Argus, the generalship of Wellington, and the
patience of Job.

Being carefully hedged in, as we have shown, with strict rules and
regulations, backed by fines in case of the slightest inattention, and
the certainty of prompt dismissal in case of gross neglect or
disobedience, with the possibility of criminal prosecution besides
looming in the far distance, our friend, John Marrot, knowing his duties
well, and feeling perfect confidence in himself and his superiors,
consulted his chronometer for the last time, said, "Now, then, Bill!"
and mounted his noble steed.

Will Garvie, who was putting a finishing drop of oil into some part of
the machinery, took his station beside his mate and eased off the brake.
John let off two sharp whistles (an imperative duty on the part of
every driver before starting an engine) and let on the steam. The first
was a very soft pulsation--a mere puff--but it was enough to move the
ponderous engine as if it had been a cork, though its actual weight with
tender was fifty-three tons. Another puff, and slowly the iron horse
moved out of its stable. There was a gentle, oily, gliding, effect
connected with its first movements that might have won the confidence
even of timid Mrs Captain Tipps. Another puff of greater strength shot
the engine forward with a sudden