Ralph of the Roundhouse; Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man

In the bustling hub of Stanley Junction, the Daylight Express rolls in like a silver arrow, drawing a crowd of familiar faces and the hum of activity that defines a town built around the rails. Amid the clatter of freight yards and the glow of polished locomotives, a bright‑eyed young man named Ralph darts through the scene, greeting engineers and firemen with a ready grin. He’s the go‑to courier for the express agent, ferrying parcels and odd jobs for a modest fee that fuels his carefree vacation days.

Ralph’s enthusiasm for the railroad runs deep—his father was a celebrated rail worker, and the boy feels a proud, almost hereditary connection to the steel tracks. He spends his mornings sprinting along sidings, delivering packages, and soaking up the rhythm of train life, all while dreaming of a quick bite and a baseball game. When a dust‑covered, stumbling boy appears out of the cinders, Ralph’s curiosity is piqued, hinting that his routine may soon be disrupted by an unexpected passenger and a fresh challenge.