The Night Operator

"The Night Operator" by Frank L. Packard is a story set during the early 1900s that centers on Toddles, a determined newsboy working on the Hill Division of a railroad, who has big dreams of becoming a real railroader. The narrative explores how Toddles deals with issues of respect, never giving up, and the struggles he faces while working on the railroad. The book begins with struggles that Toddles faces, since others do not respect him because he is small. At first, he is teased and bullied by a conductor named Hawkeye, who puts him down. Even with these challenges, Toddles is determined, hoping to prove that he can overcome his small size, earn some respect, and be accepted as a worthy railroader.