Next day Neale showed more than ever his value to the engineering
corps, and again won a word of quiet praise from his chief. He liked
the commendation of his superiors. He began to believe heart and
soul in the coming greatness of the railroad. And that strenuous
week drove his faithful lineman, King, to unwonted complaint.
Larry tugged at his boots and groaned as he finally pulled them off.
They were full of holes, at which he gazed ruefully. "Shore I'll be
done with this heah job when they're gone," he said.
"Why do you work in high-heeled boots?" inquired Neale. "You can't
walk or climb in them. No wonder they're full of holes."
"Wal, I couldn't wear no boots like yours," declared Red.
"You'll have to. Another day will about finish them, and your feet,
too."
Red eyed his boss with interest. "You-all cussed me to-day because I
was slow," he complained.
"Larry, you always are slow, except with a horse or gun. And lately
you've been--well, you don't move out of your tracks."
Neale often exaggerated out of a desire to tease his friend. Nobody
else dared try and banter King.
"Wal, I didn't sign up with this heah outfit to run up hills all
day," replied Red.
"I'll tell you what. I'll get Casey to be my lineman. No, I've a
better idea. Casey is slow, too.
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