Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-05-30
To stop by signal.

What station is this, Wilson, cried
an old gentleman, looking out OF the
window.
His servant, demure looking man in
black, who had just got out Of a second
class carriage, touched his hat and re-
piled:
81 don't know, sir; I'll ask the guard
Yes, Sloughton station, sir.
"There ought to be board with the
name on it," cried the old gentleman
testify. Guard, why isn't there board
to this station2"
"Se there is, sir, at the other end of
the platform"
"Then why doesn't the train stop where
people can read it2 How am | to know
when we get to Pugborough, Wilson,"
"We shan't be at Pugborough for this
hour, sir" cried the guard. Come,
Jump in, sir" to Wilson, who resumed
his seat. The whistle sounded, the train
went on. At the very next station the
old gentleman put his head out of the
window again.
"Hi, Wilson"
Wilson jumped out of his carriage and
came to his master, and touched his hat
once more.
"Is this Pugborough, Wilson,
"No, sirl This is Much Munkton."
Now, take your sea-" cried the
guard; for only one passenger had
aHghted, and none had entered the
train.
At the next station the same scene
was repeated.
Come sir" said the guard, who was
tired of hearing the old mans voice,
don't trouble yourself any more. I'll
be sure and let you know when you come
to Pugborough."
"Will you" cried the old gentleman,
apparently much gratifed. Upon my
word, you re very kind didn't like to
ask you, for l know how much you have
to do T."
"Its only my dooty, sir" said the
guard, slammiug the door.
"Hi guard !" cries the old gentleman.
ayes, sir" replies the guard impa-
tiently returning to the carriage door.
"You're quite sure, now you're quite
sure, eh you won't forget me at Pugbo-
rough2'
20, no, sir" said the guard; "that'll
be all right.
"And Wilson-where's Wilson, Oh,
here, Wilson; you won't forget my box,
Wilson, when we get to PugborOughY
mo, sir" said Wilson, scrambing
into his seat once more.
TROUBLESOME old chap, that, said the
guard as he swung himself into his van.
II mustn't forget him at Pugborough.
There no other passenger for there.
Now, Pugborough was one of those
mysterious places that are marked with
a cross or dagger in Bradshaw, and if fyou
succeed in unearthing a corresponding
dagger in some obscure corner OF the
page, you will find, STOPS at Pugbo-
rough to take up and set down first-class
London passengers only
Whether it was that the guard, IN his
excess of anxiety to remember, had
blunted his faculties, or that some spite
ful Puck had given his wits bewilder-
ing shake, know not but somehow 1t
happened that the guard forgot to warn
the engine driver; and when the man
looked up from his parcels, he found, to
his dismay, that the train was dashing
along some half mile past the little Pug.
borough station.
To signal to the driver and put on the
brake was the work of an instant. The
train was brought to a stand-still, and
then slowly backed to the station, amidst
the fierce denunciations of the through
passengers.
The guard himself was much out Of
temper-angry with himself for his for
getfulness, angry with the old gentleman
for having given him so much trouble.
Nov, thenl" he shouted to the man
servant, SHARP Look after your mas
ter's traps. Here you are, sir, he cried
opening the first carriage. Here's Pug
borough Now, sir, if you pleased"
The old gentleman was asleep, anC
couldn't be reused to a sense Of the situ
alton for some time He growled snC
grumbled. Atlast, fully reused, he stared
at the guard with lack-lustre eyes.
" Pugborough, is it Pugborough
Thank you, guard; remember. Where
Wilson? wilson, Wilson where's my
| boxP 80,
Never mind your box, sir-pll see t.
the luggage. Jump out quick, please 7
Jump outl" cried the old gentleman