continued the young fireman. "We are not exactly rich, but we are comfortably situated, eh?"

"Yes, indeed, Ralph! But listen to me. Do you want to leave the railroad? You might go into business, or go to college, or----"

"No, no, mother! I was born to follow a railroad life--I feel it. Who knows, some day I may be the President of some road."

"That is true. Well, have your wish, Ralph. They tell me now you are the best fireman in these parts. Soon you'll have your engine then----"

"I'll be very happy!" finished Ralph.

And his eyes brightened as he thought of splendid opportunities the future promised.

THE END

THIS ISN'T ALL!

Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in this book?

Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?

On the _reverse_ side of the wrapper which comes with this book, you will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same store where you got this book.

DON'T THROW AWAY THE WRAPPER

Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.

THE RAILROAD SERIES

By ALLEN CHAPMAN

Author of the "Radio Boys," Etc.

Uniform Style of Binding. Ill.u.s.trated.

Every Volume Complete in Itself.

In this line of books there is revealed the whole workings of a great American railroad system. There are adventures in abundance--railroad wrecks, dashes through forest fires, the pursuit of a "wildcat"

locomotive, the disappearance of a pay car with a large sum of money on board--but there is much more than this--the intense rivalry among railroads and railroad men, the working out of running schedules, the getting through "on time" in spite of all obstacles, and the manipulation of railroad securities by evil men who wish to rule or ruin.

RALPH OF THE ROUND HOUSE; Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man.

RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER; Or, Clearing the Track.

RALPH ON THE ENGINE; Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail.

RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS; Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer.

RALPH, THE TRAIN DISPATCHER; Or, The Mystery of the Pay Car.

RALPH ON THE ARMY TRAIN; Or, The Young Railroader's Most Daring Exploit.

RALPH ON THE MIDNIGHT FLYER; Or, The Wreck at Shadow Valley.

RALPH AND THE MISSING MAIL POUCH; Or, The Stolen Government Bonds.

GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK