THE STEAM-SHOVEL MAN
it might have belonged in another world, but here were men who were actually helping to dig it. And this steam-shovel man looked so self-reliant and capable and proud of his task that he made one feel proud of his breed of Americans in exile. And that was a most alluring phrase of his, "a great place for a husky young fellow."
After some hesitation the lad timidly accosted him:
"I overheard enough to make me very much interested in what you are doing. Do you think I would stand any show of getting a job on the Panama Canal?"
The stranger's eyes twinkled as he scanned Goodwin and amiably answered:
"As a rule, they don't catch 'em quite as young as you are, my son. What makes you think of taking such a long jump from home?"
"I need the money," firmly announced the youth. "And when it comes to size and strength I'm not exactly a light-weight."
"I'll not dispute it," cheerily returned the steam-shovel man. "I am a man of peace except when I'm hunting trouble. But they
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