The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-03
OLD COLLINS, rHE CONDUCTOR.
Why He Didn't Put q Woman Out of Hi
Caboose-Death the Next Station.


Ops p. Read IN Pittsburg Dispatch.
Freight train No. At ratified and bumped
along over the snow-covered track, making the
frozen bridges creak. In the dense forest no cry
of night-hawk nor howl of wolf was heard. The
night was terribly cold and the hawks sensitive
to wind so cutting had sought the hollow OF
the groaning oak, and the wolf, though half fam
ished. growled and snarled in his cherries den
The rev year is coming in with the chill OF
DEATH said Old Collins, the conductor holding
his lantern between his knees and picking at the
wick with his knife.
Coming with both ears nipped off, replied
Bill Anderson. a brakeman, throwing open the
stove door and stirring mp the lire with poker
Old Collins was peculiar man. For twenty
years he had been freight conductor. No one
ever heard him speak of his family; no one ever
saw him laugh The boys said that he was a
'serank, and Anderson, in his good natured
way, often asked him why he didn't 60 on the
stage and play grim tragedy. One day, old Col
small pieces threw the futtering handful
toward the door Of the caboose. and said: Thank
God
Anderson looked up and asked: Whats the
matter old mans"
Nothing"
Shortly afterward, when the train stopped at
station, Anderson gathered up the scraps OF
paper that had been blown back from the doors,
pat them together and read: Died IN this city
last This was all he could make out; and, as
aside the bits of paper.
Since that time old Collins had seemed to be
more cheerful. still. no one ever heard him
laugh.
Where do we stop nextr asked Anderson.
"Finchley Creek, replied the old man, putting
his lantern on the box beside him. up grade,
too. wish we didn't have to stop any more to-
night This cold weather hasn't helped my
rheumatism any. let me tell YOU"
Gregory" called Anderson to a man who sat
mt f0
on top pretty soon"
There ought to be law to prevent man go
ing anywhere on such night as this" replied
Gregory, stretching himself.
Its got to be done by somebody said the old
man, taking up his lantern. 81 think myself
that we'd all feel better in an oyster saloon.
Well here we are" ne added, as the engine
whistled.
'.Any man who has any doubt about the
weather." said Collins, when the train started
again, '1can have all doubts removed Dy-Ander-
son, who've you got there9" pointing to an OBJ
ject wrapped in blanket, lying on the floor.
"A woman, sir.
Don't you know we ara not allowed to take
passengersg
'Yes, sir; but she begged so hard, and looked
so cold and sick, that could not refuse her."
That's all we'll enough, Anderson but you
know our orders. She must get off at the next
station
please don't" implored a weak voice; 81 be-
lieve am dying now"
Her face was turned from the conductor, who
had sat down on box near her. "They wouldn't
let me stay by the fire at the station, for the
agents daughters were there"
'Who are youW asked Collins
'Nebody sir"
sWhere is your home!"
sNowhere"
stHave you no parents?"
My mother died when was small"
Where is your father?"
She did not reply, but turning her face further
away from Collins, sobbed aloud.
Where is your fathera" repeated the con-
ductor.
Another sob.
lis he deadp
No. sir; but he thinks am. When last saw
him, years ago, he cursed me and said that God
was unjust for permitting me to live. Some
time ago wrote to him, signing another name.
I told him that his daughter was dead.
The old man sprang to his feet. ''My God,
Pauline" he exclaimed my God, is it your
Dropping on his knees beside her, he raised
her and put his arms around her. For time
neither of them spoke The wrinkles in the
old mans face. down which the tears were fast
falling, seemed, under the rays of the lantern
which Anderson was holding, silvery drains of a
crushed hearts emotion.
"Don't put me off, father; please don't"
Poor child" sobbed the old man, kissing
her She put her arms around his neck. The
train whistled, bit no signal was given On
through the bowling wind; on over bridges that
groaned.
''Mr. Collins" whispered Anderson, touching
the old man, ''she is dead. MIR. Collins. let us
lay her down on the blanket"
The father and daughter, in sitting POSTURE
were leaning back against Gregory
Let US put her down." repeated Anderson
removing the old mans arms. All we can do
great Lord, Gregory, they are both dead
Poor old man. Rheumatism struck his heart"
When No. AZ ran from bowling, bitter night
into the glorious sunshine of new day-a Few
AZ. Al. -
side, Yes, the new year had come in with the
chill of death.