Smyrna times., 1871-12-27
MiSceIIU2 10 e o us.
A Travellers Story.

''Is this seat engaged, sir?"
81 glanced up from the paper was reading, |
and met the smiling regard of a genial looking |
gentleman in the prime OF life
"lt il not, sir.
with your permission, then, as he seated |
himself beside me.
The train had already started, and presently
the conductor made his appearance collecting
the tickets. Reaching US he detached the ap-
prOpriate coupons from our tickets, handing
back the remainder with the usual Checks
Pardon me- said may companion. but
perceive you place your ticket in your wallet. y
"Yes."
at is unwise, unsafe.
"Why do you consider it SO ?" I 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.
'Yes"
"Your money and ticket are both gone
Probably you do not appreciate the manifold
beauties of such a position [ do not think it
possible except by experience.
at would certainly be an undesirable situa-
ton. | can see that clearly enough. Pardon
the question naturally suggested you
ever so placed r
"Once, only once
Glow was that"
"You wish to profit by my experience? Well
| don't know that mind telling you the story.
1t may serve to amuse you, if nothing else. Ii
occurred a number of years ago, and is of ne
consequence | had taken the early express
train and being somewhat tired and altogether
: sleepy, had stretched myself upon a seat for a,
comfortable nap as circumstances would per
nit. | slept soundly, for | could in those day
: sleep well almost anywhere, and did not wax,
A untI tho aOnHu0tor on ma for O1vfi fiokof Nh,
r essential bit of pastebOard could not be found
| was positive | had purchased ticket in
y deed, | remember distinctly having shown it t
II the baggage clerk at the time of checking m
e trunk.
a The conductor grew impatient, passed t
'r the other end Of the car and returned to me.
o had made the discovery that my pocket ha
been picked, and in proof OF my story shove
him my baggage check.
p ''It was useless. Ii you have travelled muc
s you are aware that virtuOus conductor take
70 no mans word in fact, all men have design
y upon the cOmpany's dividends except himself
k. |; was perfectly natural, therefore, that th
I'd faithful steward in question should say
IN ''The check is all right but how do | kno
I'd that it belongs to YOU? will take the none
for your fare or stop the train and put you of
Just as you choose.
"What could do. Protestations amounte
to nothing, and my fellow passengers, with tn
m, usual tendency Of humanity to trampe upon
: fallen man, showed clearly, by their looks an
ne expressions that they thought me sneakin
ti GS rogue who would steal passage if he cOult
n. They paid their money, why should not | pa
e. mine2 Few men would ever see Heaven
'ct judgment was rendered by a jury-exccl
no themselves.
my search for the lost ticket had brougl
;" to light about dollar and eighty cents. TIL
cd | told the conductor was every cent hG
rt- about me. He said it was about fifty cen
he short of the usual fare to Lauderdale city, b,
at that he would pass me through for it rath
-. than stop the train. From Iauderdale, ci
% of much Importance, l could write to n
partner for money. 1t would certainly be
mp well as to tramp ten or twelve miles back to Il
rk city had left, and where should be no bett
off, being equally a stranger there.
"In due time found myself at Lauderdal
10. went to the best hotel telegraphed for none
ev and wrote TN explanatory letter to my partne
oct This business attended to- | sailed out to S
Is, what sort of place Lauderdale city might
ew There was nothing to DO but amuse myself
best could until the money should come, SC