Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1875-10-29
Selefted Mistellanp,
TICKETS TO HEAVEN
BY II. II. BROWNE,


This was the brief, but suggestive re-
mark of the portly conductor of rail
way train that was being whirled along,
with its mingled freight of merchandise
and humanity, through one of the most
beautiful sections of New England.
"Your ticket, sir, if you please" he
repeated, somewhat impatiently, it seem
ed, as the shrill shrek of the whistle an
nounced our near approach to the next
station. Looking in the direction of the
speaker, saw him standing with ex-
tended hand, waiting impatiently in front
of II passenger, who was sitting nearly
opposite me, and whose odd appearance
withheld my attention, for a moment,
from the morning paper, which | had
been reading. This singular appear
ancc really consisted, not so much in the
dress. as in the mans manner, and in
the expression of his face, for, aside from
some slight pecularities of toilet, there
was nothing about the mans style of ap-
parel at variance with that of the people
around him.
1t was, however, in the expression Of
his countenance, more than in anything
else, that | became, for the moment, in
terested. The general contour of the
head, though not regular, indicated no
little intellectually. The face was pale,
and had haggard, eager, unhealthy
look. The hair, which was thin and
long, and of faded yellow tint, was
combed smoothly down over the cars,
and arranged with much apparent care
and elaboration. The cheeks we're thin
and hollow. The nose was long and
pinched The mouth, while not ILL
formed, bespoke, with the small receding
chin, indccision, and want of strength
The eyes-it was here that the chief Pc
cuiarities of the mans appearance was
found-were so small and sunkcn, of a
palish grey color, eager, yet facilitating,
piercing, and yet not penetrating, giving
to the observer, at once, the commingled
ideas Of resolution and timidity, conf
dence and doubt. Indeed, the whole APP
pearance Of the man, was that of one who
sees, or thinks he sees. more that is
imaginary than real--one whose mind
dwells upon. and is more conversant with
the supernatural, than with the natural
one from whose mind, in fact, the
calmness and light of reason are gone,
leaving but that vacuity of mind, that
phantasm Of reason, which we are wont
to name insanity.
At length, after having fumbled ner-
vously in one pocket and another, while
the conductor stood, impatiently waiting
for his ticket, the man produced queer
looking package, uniquely folded, and
worn and soiled from long carriage, and
to no little amusement of the lookers-on
drew carefully therefrom, and placed in
the conductors extended hand, by-no
means clean-looking piece of pasteboard,
in which was written, in bold character,
these words:
"ABsoLoM ALLGooD--his dchd for Hcacen."
CHANGING at the card, and then at the
man, with look Of mingled Indignation
and amusement, but seeming quickly to
understand the case, the conductor said
sternly:
IL cannot pass you on this ticket, sir"
"Not pass me +! surely you do but
jest" said the man, eagerly.
II am in earnest, sir; your ticket is
worthless. Have you no other p
Worthless no other ~ repeated the
man, with bewildered look and tone.
''Why, no; have trusted to that tick
ct for years. and if it is not good, | have
no hope, no hopel'
"Well, then, my dear SIR" said the
conductor, in more kindly tone, 1--WE
shall have to leave you at the next sta
ton"
80, then | am lost, lost !" moancd
the poor maniac, in tones of utter de-
spair.
At the next station, the man was left,
shrieking, and shrinking from the touch
of the men, who assisted him from the
carriage, as though they had been, in
deed. demons dragging him back from
that heaven, which be had so longed to
reach, to the depths Of that fancied mis-
cry, be had so hoped TO escape