Ralph's eyes sparkled with pleasure.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight," he said. "If it's to be another step up the ladder, I would like it to be in just that line."
"You take another rung sure, that's settled," declared old Jack proudly. "And—you'll get to the top!"
One hour later Ralph Fairbanks was officially instructed by the superintendent of the Great Northern, that he had been promoted to a new branch of service.
How did he succeed? How well, and how his influence and example helped the success of his loyal railroad friends, will be told in a succeeding volume to be called "Ralph on the Engine; or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail."
For the time being he was very happy and so was his mother. Mrs. Fairbanks felt certain that they would soon be in possession of the property Gasper Farrington had so long kept from them.
"I think so myself, mother," said Ralph, and then he added with enthusiasm: "Isn't it wonderful how we have prospered!"
"Yes, Ralph."
"And to think that I am to be a regularly appointed fireman," he continued.
"I can see that you are bound to be a railroad
