Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-08-08
A Conductor Caught.

"Halloa, Limpy, the cars will start in
a minute hurry up, or we shall leave you
behind.n
The cars were waiting at station of
one of our Western railroads. The bag
| gage master was busy with checks. The
men were hurrying to and fro with chests
and valises, packages and trunks-men
and women and children were rushing for
the cars and busily securing their seats,
while the locomotive snorted and pulled
and bowed.
A man carelessly dressed was standing
on the platform of the depot. He was
looking around him, and seemingly paid
little attention to what was passing. 1t
was easy to see that he was lame. At a
hasty glance one might easily have sup
posed that he was neither man of wealth
nor influence. The conductor of the train
gave him contemptuous look, and slap.
ping him Familiarity on the shoulder, called
| out
"Hslloa, Limpy, better get aboard, or
the cars will leave you behind !"
Cline enough, l reckon" replied the
individual addressed, and retained his
seemingly listless position.
The last trunk was tumbled into the
baggage car. GAIL aboard % cried the
conductor. "Go on, Limpy p said he, as
he passed the lame curiously dressed
man.
The lame man made no reply. Just as
the train was slowly moving away, the
lame man stepped on the platform of the
last car, and walking in quietly, took a
seat.
The train had moved on few miles,
when the conductor appeared at the door
OF the car where our friend was sitting.
Passing along, he soon discovered the
stranger whom he had seen at the
station.
Hand out your money, here"
81 don't pay" replied the lame man
very quietly.
" Don't pay"
No, sir"
" Well see about that. | shall put you
out at the next station" And he seized the
valise which was on the rack over the
head of our friend.
" Better not be too rough, young man.
returned the stranger.
The conductor released the carpet bag
and seeing he could do no more, then he
soon passed on to collect the fare from the
other passengers. AS he stopped at a
seat few PAGES of, gentleman who had
heard the conversation just mentioned
looked up to the conductor and asked |
HIM:
"Do you know to whom you were
speaking just now ?"
" mo, sir.'
"'rhat was Peter Warburton, the Pres
ident of the road"
" Are you sure of that, sir ?" replied |
the conductor, trying to conceal his agl-
taton.
" know him."
The color rose in the young mans face.
bnt with strong effort he controlled him
self, and went on collecting fare as
usual.
Meanwhile Mr.. Warburton sat quietly
IN his seat-none of those near him could
unravel the expression of his face, nor
could tell what would be the next move
ment IN the scene. And he-of what
thought he ? He had been rudely treated
he had been unkindly tainted with the
lnilrmlty which had come, perhaps, through
no fault of his. He could revenge him
self If he choose. He could tell the direc-
tors the simple truth and the young man
would be deprived of his place at once.
Should he do id
And yet, why should he care. He
knew how he had risen by his own exer-
ions to the position he held. When a
Young orange peddler, be stood by the
street crossings, he had many rebuff.
de had outlived those days of hardship 4;
lie was respected now. Should he care
or strangers roughness or taunts.
Those who sat near him waited curiously
o see the end.
Presently the conductor came back.
With steady energy he walked up to ,
Dir. Warburton's side. He took his book /
rom his pocket, the bank bills, the tick
is, which be had collected, and laid them
a Mr.. Warburton's hand.
l resign my place, SIR" be said.