He was bound West from Montreal, and in the morning would resume his labors at a construction camp.

There was much to be done and the construction bosses who had sent for him were getting impatient.
Lister's thoughts wandered from the figures.

He liked his occupation and admitted that he had been lucky, but began to see he had gone as far as he could expect to go.

The trouble was, he had not enjoyed the scientific training that distinguished the men who got important posts.
His mechanical career began in the engine-room of a wheat-boat on the lakes, and he had entered the railroad company's service when shipping was bad and steamers were laid up.

Although he had studied for a term or two at McGill University, he knew his drawbacks.