The Placer herald., 1871-12-09
A IravclCr'S story.
Is this seat engaged. sir ?"

The train had already started, and pre-
sently the conductor made his appearance
collecting the tickets. Reaching us he de-
Iss aSsa hsnsP ns PSssss SaR q coupons ps IRON g ss'
usual e" checks"
" Pardon me, said my companion. "But
perceive that you place you ticket in your
wallet"
eyes"
' 1t is unwise, unsafe.
"Why do you consider it so ?" inquired
with curiosity, returning the wallet to my
pocket.
" Suppose, through carelessness, or, we
may say, accident, your wallet is lost. Your
pocket may be picked for instance"
eyes"
" Your money and ticket are both gone.
Probably you do not appreciate the manifold
beauties of such position; do not think
it possible except by experience"
" 1t certainly would be an undesirable
situation. can sec that clearly enough
Pardon the question naturally suggested
were you ever SO placed ?"
Once, only once.
'tHow is that"
" Y on wish to profit by my experience :?
Well, | don't know that mind telling you
the story. 1t may serve to amuse you, if
nothing more.
1t occurred a number of years ago. had
taken the early express train, and being
somewhat tired and altogether sleepy, had
stretched myself upon a seat for as comfort
able nap as circumstances would permit.
slept soundly, for l could in those days
sleep well almost anywhere, and did not
wake until the conductor came for my ticket.
| The essential board Of pasteboard could not
| be found. was positive had purchased
ticket, indeed, remembered distinctly hav-
ing shown it to the baggage clerk at the time
of my checking my trunk.
The conductor grew impatient, passed to
the other end of the car and returned to me.
| had made the discovery that my pocket
had boom picked. and in r"Nnf &c --,- ~...y
showed him my baggage check.
1t was useless. If you have Travelled
much you are aware that virtuous con-
ductor takes no mans word; in fact, all men
have designs upon the company's dividends
except himself. 1t was perfectly natural,
therefore, that the faithful steward in ques-
ton should say:
"The check is all right; but how do !
know that it belongs to you? | will take
the money for your fare Or stop the train and
put you off, just as you choose
What could do? Protcstations amounted
to nothing, and my felow-passengers, with
the usual tendency to humanity to trampe
upon fallen man, showed clearly by their
looks and expressions that they thought me
sneaking rogue who would steal passage
if he could. They paid money, why should
not pay mine Few men would ever see
Heaven if judgment was rendered by jury
except themselves.
My search for the lost ticket had brought
to light about dollar and eighty cents.
This told the conductor was every cent
had about me. He said this was about fifty
cents short of the usual fare to Lauderdale city
but that he would pass me through for it
rather than stop the train. From Lauderdale,
a city of much importance, could write to
my partner for money. 1t would certainly
be as we'll as TO tramp ten or twelve miles
back to the city had left, and where |
should be no better off, being equally a
stranger there.
In due time found myself at Lauderdale;
| went to the best hotel; telegraphed for mo-
ney; and wrote an explanatory letter to my
partner This business attended to, sailed
out to see what sort of place Lauderdale
city might be. There was nothing to do but
amuse myself as best could until the money
should come, so determined to make the
most of my involuntary holiday. AS !
strocd leisurely up the main street a news
boy darted out of paper office, crying:
Daily Banner-extra edition-all about
the murder-great accident on the E
roadw ETC., etc. I" Have on extra ?"
took the sheet and thrust my hand in
my pocket for the money without moments
thought. You may imagine my feelings
when compelled to return that two penny bit
of paper to the boy, with the muttered cx-
cuse that had no change, and the utter
contemptuous expression on the boys face as
he received it! Immediately stepped into
the Office Of the Daily Banner and wrote
paragraph on my recent mishap, taking care
to make it as amusing as possible. When
complete handed it to the clerk. lie read
it, laughed and took it into the private office.
Coming back few minutes after, he told
the bool-kecper to give me fifty cents. 1t
| was not much, but more than expected.
Well, l continued my walk until l finally
reached the end Of the street, which ternn-
ated at the $ river, here spanned by
long covered bridge. l crossed the bridge
and was surprised to see upon reaching the
other side, that would be required to pay
TOLL A young girl came to the door of the
little office as l stepped up and l inquired
how much l should pay, drawing forth my
solitary shnplaster.
"Oh," said she, with smile and slight
blush, "we don't charge ministers anything"
1t was not bad joke; but l suppressed
the laugh that rose to my lips, and thanking