The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-10-24

| 10 LICK, lOT L KNEW wei tlldu he COulu
talk and smoke and grumble, too, all at
the same time.
''The way of it all was this, he began
drawing up his chair and putting away
slowly at his weed. Before my uncle
died and left me the few dollars / enjoy at
present, | was a Woodworking man. Oh,
you need not smile; | was not born indie
pendent | earned my living, once upon a
time, and | worked for it. too. Well,
was conductor on the Erie, and made two
trips day from Jersey City to Middle
town. 1t was hard life, can tell you,
but / did not mind it much as must do
that or perish in the poor house.
81 had been on the road for about two
years, and was just beginning to like my
occupation, when occurred the melancholy
event | am going to relate, and which has
thrown shadow over my life ever since.
A man never has but one opportunity to
make his mark in this world. and woe to
the fool that lets his golden chance slip by
UNDECIDED
going through the cars collecting fares,
and about the middle of the train | saw
Louis Harold seated by the side of very
beautiful young lady. My heart gave a
great thump as stopped to speak with
him, keeping my eyes all the while fixed
upon the lovely girl in the next seat. Be-
fore | had looked at her three seconds
felt that | was head and ears in love, and
trembled like leaf when politely asked
for her ticket. Judge of my establishment
when the beautiful young lady cody in
formed me that she had lost her pocket
book. My delightful visions faded like a
flash of lightning. and was even with her
in moment.
/ had read in the papers about these
pretty imposters and was too old bird
to let pair of blue eyes cheat me out of
the Just fare.
g Sorry, miss, replied. putting on my
sternest look. But you must pay your
fare.
's'But, sir, she pleaded, with some con-
fusion, some one has robbed me, and
have not Il cent in my possession. | am
only going as far as Ridgewood. My father,
Judge
eyes, yes; | know your respected
father, Judge Somebody, will make it all
right with the company tomorrow. Ex-
cuse me, but must have your fare. Our
rules are imperative. l must get my pay,
or else you must leave the car
81 felt the immense importance of my
position. The interests of the Erie Rail
way Company were in my hands, and | re-
solved to save their credit at any cost.
'''Get off the carr she calculated.
why, cannot walk to Ridgewood, and
papa's waiting for me at the depot.
{" Sorry, miss l replied, but have my
instructions
''Here was my glorious chance-and,
accursed be the hour-I missed it. Louis
Harold chimed in just then, and said, with
half smile,-
"'Excuse me; but perhaps can be of
some assistance.
'.He drew out his pocket book and hand
ed me dollar
"'Take the young lady's fare out of
that, Dick: I will go bail for this ones
honesty
''Oh, thank you, ever SO kindly, said
the young lady, sweetly. Il am SO CRATE
full! You must get off with me at Ridge
wood, and my father will pay you back.
You are very kind, sir; indeed you are
took the fifty cents for her fare, and
handed back the change to Louis. He
winked at me as if to say, I've got the best
of you, this time, my man. and felt that
he had. Every time had a chance to be
near the car, looked in. They were chat
ting as earnestly and laughing as merrily
as if they had been friends all their lives.
avoided passing near them, for somehow
I felt that it was all over with me.
When opened the door and called out
young lady ont. | saw her run to a fat old
gentleman on the platform, and hold up
her cheek for him to kiss. Then she called
Louis up, and told her story.
say, was polite enough to pay my fare
when the rude conductor threatened to put
me off the car.
"I am personally and deeply grateful,
sir the old gentleman said, offering Louis
dollar. The impertinence of some of
these conductors is truly marvellous. |
shall use all my influence with the com
pany to obtain his discharge tomorrow
Il ground my teeth when | heard this,
and listened again; the young lady was
speaking.
''Oh, please do not, papa' she broke in.
He's friend of Mr.. Harrold's.'
1.-THE last thing that saw, as the rain
moved on, was that Louis had declined
taking the old gentleman money, and was
walking between him and his lovely daugh-
ter. Three days later | met Louis i'll the
street, and he rushed up and grasped me
warmly by the hand.
"'That was a splendid chance you threw
away upon me. old fellow he said. 4 am
ever so much obliged to you. Miss Rey-
nolds is splendid young lady, and was
dying for an introduction. Upon my soul,
IL. ~