New-York tribune., 1890-06-29
A LONG RIDE FREE.
INGENIOUS SCHEME OF A STRANDED ACTOR
HOW HE TRAVELLED FROM OMAHA TO NEW
YORK WITHOUT PAYING CENT
FOR RAILWAY FARE.

FOR RAILWAY FARE.
al rode frstclass from Omaha to New-Y York with
out pass and without paying dollar for railway
fare" This statement made the other afternoon
by well-know actor, who with a number 'oi otner
players. sat in cool resort just of tho RlaIto.
They telling each other wonderful stories OF their
carly professional lives, when all were members OF
minor companies PLAYED leading parts and considered
themselves great. Every one Of them had been
stranded at some time other, and each had known
what it meant to be "busted and long way from
home.p Several stories had been told OF how the mar
rators accomplished their return to New-fork after
their companies had been disbandcd in some far
Western city leaving them penniiess and friendicS'.
Naturally they curious to know how their friend
who made the statement that he had travelled free
from Omaha to New York succeeded in doing so, and
he told them how.
at sixteen years ago." he said, that was
with company that stranded in Omaha None
of us had any money and we all were anxious to
get back to York. where only was there hope Of
getting another engagement. Those who had friends
in the East sent for and secured rcmttances by tele
graph. while others, who had none. borrowed If they
could, or pawned their vauabes for enough 10 take
them through. rade up my mind that would
get along without borrowing or asking for help
from home. II took couple Of days TO perfect a
scheme for travelling TO New-York, and on the day
determined to put it in operation had only 50 to my
name.
decided TO board the night express for the East
and try the scheme had studied out. It cost me
30 cents 70 the United states transfer bridge
over the Missouri River to Council Bluffs. 1t was
dusk when boarded Rock Island train for the East.
| had with me only vaiSe, having left my trunk,
to be forwarded by express. Going into the last OF
the coaches | proceeded to make myself comfortable.
Putting soft travelling hat, placed IN the band
what appeared 10 be long distance ticket made of an
Old calendar. and folded to resemble the see
tlona tickets used then There were several
other Passengers In the car, and | scraped
quantance with three four Of them long before the
train started being careful that they should notice the
ticket In my hat. With an old gentleman who Oc-
cupied the seat in front Of me became extremely
friendly, and he near-sehted showed him the
folded ticket in my hat and commented the cum
ber>on,.ness Of long distance tickets I'm general.
Just before the train opened the window, lad
my head upon my arms, which were folded on the
window sill, and waited for the conductor. meanwhile
fegning sleep. Ny left arm held the hat upon my
head in such way that forward motion of the arm
would cause IL to fall or.
The train running fast. and the night was
dark when the cry OF Tickets announced the coming
Of the conductor trcmbled as the critical moment
approached for the failure of the scheme meant
serious consequences to me. However, | steadlcd
myself, and when the conductor reached my seat
was apparently sound asleep did not hear his
emphatic call of tcGct feel him gently touch
my shoulder Then he shook little, and still
did not Becoming impatient he gave
quite energetic shake. whcreupvn
started up. threw my left forward. and
Just as | had calculated. out Of the
window few my hat. rubbed my eyes sleepy. as
II did not know what had happened. and then began
fumbling in my pockets for my ticket. suddenly
appeared to realize tlla, my hat was gone.
Where's my hat' cried; my ticket TO Ncw-Yorh
Your hat fell out of the window said the con
ductor but didn't any ticket in the band. Hurry
up and sea'ch yonr pockets
~ know !, was in my @ hs,' declared, and then
20 throw my hat ont of the window: n this point
The passengers noticed what was going on. and the
old gentleman In front kindly came % my assistance
lie had seen me tcict In my hat, and Knew i va,
long distance ticket from the way II was folded Three
enough to te the Conductor so contnncG to scoid
and TO hcmoan the loss Of my hat and ticket. Tho
conductor didn't feel quite sure yet that was honest
and tried TO bui me BY threatening {" put me OF the
train II failed TO produce ticket or pay my fare
giet II. can prove BY the agent at omaha that
bought the ticket. and when get to Chicago intend
Perhaps your rdcness IN shading me 50 hard may set
~ nto r2n6lc or they may take ne price Of the
-. IN see you IN when finish the train sli
his work In fe" minutes he came In again ami
sat down In the scat with TO ask few questions
! concealed my Identity and told . simple story that
visit u some omaha friends. Finally he became
Convinced that waS all rsht and thcn told me that
some trouble with the superintendent. and ANYTHING
might be used preteXt for his discharge. To ak
for pass 10 New York would involve an explanation
which might get him into trouble. WOuld | be- salts
Hcd II he got the conductor tho pcnn,yylpa road
that IS tho pittsburg. Fort wayne ard Chicago. 10
take me with him and pass me through reluctantly
consented, and when got t. Chicago he made the
necessary arrangements and | camc through I'm linc
style. sleeping In Pullman the second night ~ a
courtesy TO the friend Of the Rock Island conductor
AZ Chicago my ronch friend wanted to buy me a new
hat. but wouldn't allow that. ate al the railway
rcfreshmcnt stations. moderately. of O. and when
| reached New York had thirty cents LETT