Oscar and Alfred rambled about the building and adjoining grounds, watching the operations that were going on; for though they had witnessed the same operations many times before, there is something quite attractive about such scenes, even to older heads than theirs.

On one track, within the depot, were six or eight cars, beneath which a man was crawling along, carefully examining the running gear, and giving each wheel two or three smart raps with a hammer, to see if it had a clear and natural ring.

These cars had lately arrived from a distant city, and must undergo a careful scrutiny before they are again used.

If any break or flaw is discovered, the car is sent out to the repair-shop.

On another track, the men were making up the next outward train.