The Acid Test

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Ted Miller, the son of a railway general manager, toils not, neither does he spin. In fact, the only work he enjoys is trying to fill a straight flush in a poker game, or driving his fast racer. He is at length prevailed upon by his father to accept a position in the office. The dull routine of office work palls on him, however, and he longs for excitement. This he gets when a couple of chorus girls calls on him at the office. His father remonstrates with him and threatens to cut off his allowance, pressed for money Ted sells his racing machine and proceeds to "burn up" the proceeds. Broke at length he accepts a position with the railway construction gang. Strange to say, he labors honestly. Spurred on by the scornful smile of a saucy telegraph girl. Ted plugs along realizing that he has fallen in love with her. Put on his mettle Ted's ability asserts itself and he is promoted to assistant traffic engineer. Following a terrific storm the railroad is tied up by a flood. By stint of hard work and Herculean efforts Ted at last sees success crown his efforts, and the road is finally cleared. Traffic is again resumed. David Miller, the general manager, on a tour of inspection, demands to see the man who is responsible for the good work. His surprise may be judged when he learns that his own son is the man. Explanations and forgiveness follow, but the "girl with the saucy smile" must needs be included in the happy reunion.