South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1881-06-24

people to cross tho crowded streets.
and weak and timid people prudent
ly awaited for the escort of an officer.
or the strong arm of sfriend.
The car which Simon Lindsay was
driving was going north, and tho wind
and sleet beat in his face, turning his
beard to icicles, and his eyebrows to
frosty ridges. es
l was sitting near the front, admir-
ing the promptness with which he re-
sponded to the conductors bell. and
checked his horses when vehicle, or
reckless pedestrian, crossed the track
III front, when suddenly the car stop
ped, and there was heard crash.
Mr.. Thomas Skinner, the president
of the road, was on the car ut the time.
and, leaping to his feet with roar and
M oath, he-tore epe~ the-door, md,
laying his hand rudely on the old mans
shoulder, demanded to know what
was wrong.
There was no necessity for the ques-
ton, rs by Il little exercise of his mud
dy-brown eyes, Mr.. Skinner could
have seen light vehicle smashed to
pieces near the track, and two tipsy
young men brushing the slush from
their coats, while a frantic horse went
plungihg down q side street.
The tpsy young men showed they
were not hurt by their profanity, and
their loud threats to pull the driver
from the platform and smash him up
quite rs fine rs their buggy.
With these terse utterances of the
youths, who had SO suddenly tcrmi-
mated their good time for that day.
were blended suIphurous vows that
the company should be made to pay
the damage they had sustained.
Simon Lindsay tried to explain
the young men SAW him coming and
dashed rccklcssly in front Of the car.
That this WAS the fact / could have
sworn myself, and so venturcd to saw:
but, with scowl ut me for interfering
Mr.. Skinner again laid his hand on
the old mans collar, shook him, and
calling him drunken liar, svorc that
should be the last trip he should ever
take on that line.
Simon Lindsay's old felt hat drop
ped from his gray head, and look of
horror came into his patient face, as
he heard this threat.
Mr.. Thomas SINNERS anger arose
higher and higher every second, and
several of the lady passengers cried
Shame J! and one little miss who sat
near the door informed Mr.. Skinner
he was 81 horrid beastr
Mr.. Skinner glanced at the girl,
and again fastened his hand in the old
mans collar.
In the meantime, tall, bronzed-
faced man, with q heavy beard, and
very determined stride, stepped out
on the platform, and tncing Mr.. Skin
ncr, he said, III tone devoid of ambi-
guilty:
we have had enough of this from
you. If you are incapable or being !.
gentleman. do not forget that there
arc ladies in the car
who are you, that dare come be.
tween me and my driver 2 roared
Skinner.
Il am an animal you are incapable
OF Understandings man? Now let
go of this old gentlcman's coat said
the stranger.
Mr.. Thomas Skinner responded by
tightening his hold.
Not another word was said bv the
stranger, aud Mr.. Skinner had no time
to comment, if he had any inclination
that way, for there was an iron hand
at his throat, and then he was lifted
and tossed like a tcn-pin ball against
the two tip5y youths who were stand
ing near by, the consequence being
all tumblcd down in the slush, TO
their great discomfort and the 10Y of
the little miss.
Mr.. Thomas Skinner staggered to
his feet, and shouted Police ?
The officers Of the law were near
at hand, and the tall stranger, without
any resistance ON his part, was taken
into custody.
The injured Skinner remained be-
hind to appear against the stranger.
and the sad-hcarted old driver went
OH WIN MS car, and his last trip.
My interest was excited. and I de-
termined to learn moro about Simon
Lindsay, and help him, in my power.
With this resolve, | wcntout ON the
platform with him, and assuring him
OF my sincerity, he told lis story. rs
he drove TO the other end Of The limo.
lie had been merchant, Wholesale
Joweler, and was accounted wealthy.
lie certainly believed himself TO be
IN comfortable circumstances. when.
through indorsing-that maclstrom OF
mg-hearted men of mtegrily-ho
found himself poor and fricndlcss
lie tried TO get into business again
but he was old, it was an uphill strug-
gle, and ut length, dishcartoned, Inc
gave up the struggle.
His family consisted Of wife. who
L