Question

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?

I'm already picking up my brakeman's lantern
it's been hanging on the door handle
my tattered timetable's been long in my backpocket
everything tight, keys, timetable, lantern, knife, handkerchief

Answer 1

"my tattered timetable's been long in my backpocket"

Explanation: The words "tattered" and "been long" indicate the timetable has been used for a long time, implying the narrator has held the job for several years.