Piper, I see 46 in Progress just snuck in before me... However, since I've already written it, I guess I'll leave it.
I'm going to make some assumptions here. First, I assume you're talking about a 4-speed transmission, and secondly, I assume you're talking about the small rod that runs down the right side of the gearlever shaft.
It those two assumptions are correct, please continue...
The rod should have a little finger lever at the top. You would pull this lever up, to place the transmission in reverse, (like a reverse lock-out).
Reasoning for this, it is a granny-gear first gear, and you would typically start out in second gear. Second gear is in the same location as reverse. Only difference is, you pull the lever/shaft up to place the transmission in reverse.
I have an interior shot of my 46 in the link below. However, I'm not sure how well, or if you can see the lever and rod in the picture.
Hope that helps.
