The Trainmasters Read Online Free

was true —and John didn’t
     doubt him for a moment—twenty-five hundred shares of Pennsylvania stock could be the key to gaining the power and wealth that
     he had only dreamed about.
    “In due course,” Sir Charles said, as though reading his mind, “you will acquire a line of your own. At that time, you will
     transfer to me—or my heirs—an amount of your own stock equal in value to the twenty-five hundred Pennsylvania shares, at then
     current prices, naturally. I have already undertaken to communicate with Mr. Thomson my intentions with regard to you. He
     will doubtless respect my wishes.”
    “You
are
a devil, Sir Charles.”
    There was a wicked grin on Sir Charles’s face. “I confess that I’m enjoying myself.”
    “And what if I refuse to act according to your grand design?”
    “I have never once entertained that thought. I know you, John Carlysle. I know you well.”
    “And what about Diane?”
    “Diane will be taken care of—and handsomely. She is beautiful, and she is wealthy. A suitable match for her will be found.”
    “May I have a few days to sort out my thoughts?”
    “You don’t need a few days, John. You already know your reply.”
    There was a long pause before John spoke. He gulped down the remaining claret, then set the goblet down on the marble-topped
     table next to his chair. He looked once again into Sir Charles’s frigid, gray-green eyes.
    “You are a monster, Sir Charles. But of course you are right. I can’t refuse you.” After a pause, he said, “Yes, I’ll do it.”
    Sir Charles then leapt up, strode swiftly over to where John was sitting, took his hands, and nearly lifted the younger man
     bodily to his feet.
    “Embrace me, boy! You have made my old heart sing!”
    “Thank you, Sir Charles. I only wish your words had been less painful to me.”
    “You know I love you, boy. You’re better than a son to me.”
    “Does that excuse me for abandoning your daughter?”
    “Of course! Diane knows the score. But come, I have ordered us salmon. It’s time to eat it.”

    The governor of the state of Pennsylvania was stationed in front of the podium at the center of the reviewing stand. He had
     been orating for well over twenty minutes. In the course of his speech, he told his audience that he approved mightily of
     Mr. Baldwin’s new engine as well as the recent completion of the Pennsylvania’s eastern division, because the line now extended
     well over one hundred miles west of Harris-burg, up the valley of the Juniata River very nearly to its headwaters. And he
     also, approved mightily of the continued success of the building of the railroad’s western division from Pittsburgh toward
     Johnstown. He approved the penetration of the mountain barrier, which would be accomplished before another year was out. He
     further approved of the presence on the platform of Mr. Patterson, the president of the railroad, as well as the entire board
     of directors. He acknowledged the other significant personages on the platform: Mr. William Astor, the financier; Mr. Cornelius
     Vanderbilt, the shipping magnate; Mr. Daniel Drew, representative of substantial shipping and railroad enterprises; and Mr.
     Charles Minot, the president of the Erie Railroad. The governor mightily approved of being on the same platform with so many
     of the richest and most powerful men in the United States.
    He went on to approve of the city of Philadelphia and its mayor, and after that, the bounties of the state of Pennsylvania
     which no other state could match. Then he approved of the quality and character of the men of Pennsylvania who produced the
     finest goods and the richest crops in the United States. And at last, he approved of the women of Pennsylvania for having
     produced such men.
    It seemed to John Carlysle that the governor would never run out of things to approve of. But finally he stopped.
    Now and again during the speech John found himself glancing at Mrs. Lancaster, who was