The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-01-19
A Converted Brakeman.
From the Neao Orleans Times.

A Converted Brakeman.
From the Neao Orleans Times.
Jim Dudson is arailroad brakeman.
and in his time has handled more cars
and used more profanity than any
other man in the business, but his
rough heart had been captured by a
fair little piece of teminity, who COM
PEELED him to attend church with her
every Sunday, and by whose efforts,
seconded by the sermons of the earn
est minister, the germ of religion was
planted in his breast, and in time
bore fruit. For several days past,
Jlm's companions noticed that he
was restless and thoughtful, and that
he didn't curse the new hand on the
forward part of the train, as he had
been in the habit of doing, and while
they marveled at the change which
had come over him, yet all attempts
to solve the mystery were futile.
Yesterday evening the Rev. John
Spillman heard his door. bell ring,
and shortly after Jim Dudson was
ushered into his presence.
"To whom am indebted for this
visit, " said the kind hearted minister,
raising and extending his hand.
"Well, parson, my name is Dudson
Jim Dudson, and I'm a brakeman
on the Chicago, St. Louis and New
Orleans fast freight.
"What can do for you, Mr.. Dud-
son ?" inquired the minister, motion.
ing him to seat.
"Parson," replied Jim nervously,
II want to be better man. want
to get on new road. You see for
sometime I've been flying along the
down grade Of sin. with the throttle !
/ wide open, and nary Dfake Set, bu
when you held out your danger sic
mails / checked the train and backe
in on the side track of safety, an
now I'm waiting tor orders before
pull out"
Gas l understand, Mr.. Dudsor
you wish to seek the narrow roa,
which leads to eternal life"
mo, parson, you've got it wrong
don't want no narrow gauge O
branch business in mine; when l o
in for a thing, it's a broad gauge
main line and through rum"
"You desire, then, to take steps to
ward the salvation of your soul, 8,
that when your life ends on earth
your spirit will take it's flight to tn
land above"
That's it, parson; you've strucl
1T now. Yes, when | have made m,
last run, and have reached the termi
nus, I'd like to have the genera
superintendent promote me. Littl
Nellie-she's my girl, parson, ant
prettler than a palace car with III,
latest mprovements-told me that :
fellow running on a pious train Il
bound to have clean record, and
he didn't he'd be ditched, and whel
the paymaster came around his nam,
wouldn't be on the roll. She tolC
me heap about heaven; how the,
wear long billed gowns up there. anc
play on harps. l amt much on
harp but / guess l can pick tun,
with little practice. l never wa
a SLOUGH at anything 1 ever put m,
hands to-"
Il am glad, Mr.. Dudson, to hea
OF your determination to lead a bet
ter lie, and l hope that you will
have the strength to bear the cross.
ooh !! don't be uneasy about that
parson. won't brag about what
can do, but last month busted tn
head light of Bill Gleason in fai
fight, and he's counted the stror .,os
man on the northern division. r
wag off with that cross, ana don
you forget it. And now, parson,
want to tell you something. Yo,
see Nellie's folks are all on the gospe
! Hne' and at one time l thought if
ever got me- I'd have TO make ;
running coupling"
"Wh.at did you say" said the be
wildered minister.
"A running coupling, parson; that
is, ia have to elope with her; but it
Is all fixed now ard tho noV+ 49,