Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-08-16
A Conductor Caught.

"Halloa, Limpy, the cars start in a
minute, hurry up, or we shall leave
you behind!'' 54aa 50 aa3 Jfa1
The cars were waiting at a station
of one of our Western railroads. The
baggage master was busy with checks.
The men were hurrying to and fro
with checks and valises, packages and
trunks-men, women and children
rushed for the cars and hastily secured
seats while the engine snorted and
pulled and blowed. s
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 hasty glance one
might easily have supposed that he
was neither man of wealth nor infu-
ence. The conductor of the train
gave him a contemptuous look, and
slapping him familiarly On the shoul-
der, called out:
"Halloa, Limpy, better get aboard,
or the cars will leave you behindr'
"Tlme enough, | reckon" replied
the individual addressed, and he
retained his seemingly listless posi-
ton.
The last trunk was tumbled into
the baggage car. "All aboard p cried
the conductor. AGO On, Limpy y said
he, as he passed the lame, carelessly
dressed man.
The lame man made no reply.
Just as the train was slowly moving
the lame man stepped on to the plat
form of the last car, and walking
quietly in, took seat.
The train moved on a few miles,
when the conductor appeared at the
door of the car where our friend was
sitting, Passing along, he soon dis
covered the stranger whom he had
seen at the station.
"Hand out your money, here"
Il don't pay" replied the lame man
very quietly.
Don't pay?"
"No, sir"
"We'l 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 lame friend.
"Better not be too rough, young
man, said the stranger.
The conductor released the carpet
bag for a moment, and feeling that he
could do no more then, passed on to
collect the fare from the other passen-
gers. As he stopped at seat a few
! PAGES of, a gentleman who had just
heard the conversation, looked up at
the conductor and asked him:
'Do you know to whom you were
speaking just now?"
mo, sir
That is Peter Warburton, the Pres
ident of the road"
"Are you sure of that, sir?" said
the conductor, trying to conceal his
agitation.
II know him."
The color rose to the young mans
face but with stong effort he Ontrol.
led himself and went on collecting
his fare as usual.
Meanwhile Mr.. Warburton a t
quietly y In his seat-none of those near
him could unravel the expression of
his face, nor could tell what would be
the next movement in the scene. And
he-of what thought he? He had
been rudely treated; he had been un.
kindly taunted with the infrmity
which had come, perhaps, through NO
fault of his. He could revenge him.
self as he chose. He could tell the
directors the simple truth, and the
young man would be deprived of his
place at once. Should he do it?
And yet, why should he care? He
had risen by his own exertions to the
position he now held. When little
orange peddlar, he stood by the street
crossings, he had met with many a re.
buff. He had outliyed those days of
hardship; he was respected now
Should he care for a strangers rough.
ness or taunts ? Those who sat near
him waited curiously to see the end.
Presently the conductor came back
With steady energy he walked up
to Mr.. Warburton's side. He took
the book from his pocket. the bank
bills, the tickets which he had collect
ed, and laid them in Mr.. Warburton's
hand.
Il resign my situation, sir" he
said.
The President looked over the &C
counts for moment, then motioneG
to the vacant seat by his side, said:
'Sit down, sir. l would like tc
talk with you"
AS the young man sat down the
President turned to him a face in
which there was no angry feeling, and
, spoke to him in undertone:
"My friend, | have no revengeful
feelings to crafty in this matter, but
, you have been very imprudent. Youl
, manner, had it been thus to a stranger
would have been very injurious to the
interests of the company. l might
! tell them of this, but | will not. By
| doing SO should throw you out of
E your situation, and you might find il
] difficult to find another. But in fu
) ture.remember to be polite to all yor
{ meet. You cannor judge a man b,
the coat he wears; and the poores
should be treated with civility. Take
your book, sir; | shall tell no one of
5 what has passed. Ifyou change youl
: course nothing that has transpired