Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-02-19
JUMPING ON A TRAIN.

NatCuiuS tlniu III EhS iouu 10 % WI
different affair from catching il in thi:
country. for there it signifies the indivd-
usl has sufficient time 10 enter the rail
way carriage before the guard closes the
doors aud gives the signal to start. After
that, no matter who arrives, he is too
late.
IL America, however, il by dint of a
smart run the belated passenger is en-
abled to reach the hsud-rail of the last
oar of the rapidly receding train, IS It is
leaving station, and is hauled on board
minus his hat or part Of coat, perhaps
helped by railway baggage-masters to
"ca,ch the traln," he is congratulated by
the conductor on "iest savin' it," instead
of being fined and reprimanded Tor risk.
ing his life. Indeed, the average Ameri-
can so thoroughly believes in taking the
responsibility, that he resents the erec-
ton OF gates, separating the track from
the waiting rooms, or any interference
with his getting on or off q train in mo-
ton, with the idea, perhaps, that 70 rer-
son in this land of Liberty has any right
TO refrain him even from putting his life
in jeopardy il be himself elects so to do.
The laws against getting on or off
moving trains in England are very strict.
and also in guarding the track at the sta
tions snd vicinity, and are net to be in
fringed upon or broken with impunity,ss
an American friend recently found to his
sorrow.
lie chauced to be on tain going to
London, and had written to have his lug
gage sent from certain point TO meet
him, to be put on the train al sn inter-
medlate station, where also his wife and
son were to get on. Arrived at the latter
place, where the train stopped few mo-
meuts, he lett the railway carriage, put
his family on board. and sought for his
luggage to place on the train; but in
vain. Meanwhile the time for starting
arrived, yet still he tarried, thinking to
Jump on the last moment, American fash
ION, and started TO do so, hut was re-
strained by an olicial.
"But | must go on h 3 train; my
wiie's aboard said the anxious Ameri-
cal.
Can help it, sir; trains in motion;
against regulations"
"But you are going, said the Travelled,
as he marked the long train gradually
moving. car alter car. past them, and
the Official preparing to take his place.
Certainly; l am the guard last man
on. take the van. Stand back y
So saying, the guard, or as we call
him, the conductor, pushed back the
American and leaped to his place on the
step ct the guards van or last carriage
in the train.
Quick as he was the American was
equal to him, for with two or three
bounds, despite the cries and rash OF the
poIters, be leapod after the guard. cluug
to him on the step OF tho carriage ard
bO.A were whirled out OF the station in
that manner, after which they trnbled
into the compartments of the guard to-
gether. The official was white with
rage.
Il told you that you could not get upon
the train when it was in motion"
"Ahl but you see did"
"Do you know that we both nj towly
missed being hit by that CT aue as he train
went out OF the station ?"
"A miss, my good fellow, is as good as
a mile"
And you have broken the regulations,
and made me and yourself liable to pros
ecution."
80, fudge! Tne company won't take
the trouble to prosecute. | guess" said
the Yankee. But this time his nstional
guess was incorrect.
The train was n express, and he rode
IN TIE guards van more than fifty miles
before another stop enabled him to rejoin
his party in the other carriage and con-
tinus his journey to London. during
which the matter passed from his mind.
Arrived at the station in London. our
American secured q four wheeler, select
ed his luggage, had it placed on the roof
OF the vehicle. bestowed wife and party
inside, and was about following. when
he was tapped on the shoulder by
quiet, plsinly dressed individual, who
remarked:
Sorry to detain you, really very un-
pleasant duty; but you are wanted on q
charge of assaulting the guard in the dig
charge of his duty as the train left Lean
ington."
Here the official displayed paper. and
his credentials. leaving no doubt he was
one of those policemen in plain clothes"
whom Dickens and the English story
tellers write about.
Here was q dilemma. A stranger in
London, after dark, arrested! What
should he do? he at once explained.
He was an American tourist; he was not
ru.ro of tba law U;a pifa and ha both
strangers. Hadn't even been to their
botel yet. Couldn't it be arranged 10 the