Read the excerpt from “The Railroad Earth.”I'm already picking up my brakeman's lantern from where it's been hanging on the door handle and my tattered timetable's been long in my backpocket folded and ready to go, everything tight, keys, timetable, lantern, knife, handkerchief, wallet, comb, railroad keys, change and myself. Which phrase from the excerpt best supports the idea that the narrator has held the same job for several years?
Answer
A
I'm already picking up my brakeman's lantern
B
it's been hanging on the door handle
C
my tattered timetable's been long in my backpocket
The phrase “my tattered timetable's been long in my backpocket” suggests the timetable has been carried and used for a long time. Its worn condition supports the idea that the narrator has been doing this job for several years. The lantern hanging on the door handle shows where it is kept, but does not indicate how long the narrator has held the job.
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