"Alike?" said the Porter, whose name was Perks, "lor love you, no, Miss. No more alike nor what you an' me are. That little un without a tender as went by just now all on her own, that was a tank, that was—she's off to do some shunting t' other side o' Maidbridge. That's as it might be you, Miss. Then there's good engines, great, strong things with three wheels each side—joined with rods to strengthen 'em—as it might be me. Then there's mainline engines as it might be this 'ere young gentleman when he grows up and wins all the races at 'is school—so he will. The mainline engine she's built for speed as well as power. That's one to the 9.15 up."

"The Green Dragon," said Phyllis.

"We calls her the snail, Miss, among ourselves," said the Porter. "She's oftener be'indand nor any train on the line."

"But the engine's green," said Phyllis.

"Yes, Miss," said Perks, "so's a snail some seasons of the year."

The children agreed as they went home to dinner that the Porter was most delightful company.

Next day was Roberta's birthday. In the afternoon she was politely but firmly requested to get out of the way and keep there till tea-time.