The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-07-05
mi i s. G eIIaneous
A TRAVELLERS STORY.
Is this seat engaged, sir ?"

glanced up from the paper was read
ing and met the smiling regard of genial
looking gentleman in the prime of life.
1t is not, sir"
"With your permission, then," as he
seated himself beside me-
The train had already started, and pres
emily the conductor made his appearance
collecting the tickets. Reaching us, he
detached the appropriate coupons from our
tickets, handing back the remainder with
the usual Checks"
Pardon me-" said my companion, &" but
I perceive you place your ticket in your
wallet"
eyes"
{" 1t is unwise, unsafe"
"Why do you consider it 500" I en-
quired, 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 your ticket are both
gone. Probably you do not appreciate
the manifold beauties of such position.
I do not think it possible except by expe-
rience."
cit would certainly be an undesirable
situation. l can see that clearly enough.
Pardon the question naturally suggested
were you ever so placed 2"
"Once; only oncew
Chow is that ~
"You wish to profit 10y MY experience
Well, don't know that mind telling you
the story. 1t may serve to amuse you, if
nothing more.
1t occurred number of years ago, and
is of no consequence. l had taken the
carly express train, and, being somewhat
tired and altogether sleepy, had stretched
myself upon u seat for as comfortable a
nap as circumstances would permit. l
slept soundly, for 1 could in those days
sleep almost anywhere, and did not awak-
en- until the conductor came for my ticket.
The essential piece ofpasteboard could not
be found. | was positive had purchased
ticket. Indeed, remembered distinctly
having shown it to the baggage clerk at
the time of checking my trunk.
The conductor grew impatient, passed to
the other end of the car and returned to
me. l had made the discovery that my
pocket book had been picked, and, in
proof of my story, showed him my bag
gage check.
It 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 div
idends except himself 1t was perfectly
natural, therefore, that the faithful steward
in question should say:
1.-THE check is all right; but how do l
know that it belongs to you9 l will
take the money for your fare or stop the
train and put you off, just as you choose"
What could do ? Protestations amount
ed to nothing, and my fellow passengers,
with the usual tendency of humanity to
trample upon fallen man, showed, clearly
by their looks and expressions they
thought me sneaking rogue, who would
steal passage if he could. They paid
money, why should not pay mine3 Few
men would ever see heaven if judgment
were rendered by q jury-except them
selves.
My search for the lost tick ct had brought
to light about dollar and eighty cents.
This told the conductor was every cent l
had about me. He said it 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 Laud-
erdale, city of much Importance, could
write to my partner for money. 1t would
certainly be as well as to tramp ten or
twelve miles back to the city had left,
and where should be no better off, being
equally stranger there.
In due time | found myself at Lauder
dale; went to the best hotel; telegraphed
for money, and wrote an explanatory letter
to my partner. This business attended to,
l sailed out to see what sort ola place Laud-
erdale city might be. There was nothing
to do but amuse myself as best could un-
til the money should Gomez so determin-
cd to make the most of my involuntary hol-
iday. AS l strolled leisurely up the main
street newsboy darted out of a paper of
flee, crying:
Daily Banner-extra edition-all about
the murder-great excitement on E-road,
ETC., etc. Have an extra p
took the sheet and thrust my hand i'll
! my pocket for the money without a mo-
ment's thought. You may imagine my
feelings when compelled to return the two
penny bit of paper to the boy with the
muttered excuse that had no change, and
the utter contemptuous expression on the
boys face as he received it immediate
ly stepped in the office of the Daily Ban
ner and wrote paragraph of my recent
mishap, taking care to make it as amusing
as possible. When completed, handed