Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-09-20
HANGING ON TO THE CORNICE.
Riding on the Cow Catcher of an En-
CINE In the Northwest.

"Ten or twelve years ago, in '78 or 10 a
young man, who had braved the cyclones and
refrigerated climate Of the north west for some
thing over thirty seasons, was serving in the
capacity of paymaster for the construction
hands on a new railroad line in northern Min
nesota," said a western NJ. C. to a STAR re
porter. ''In passing over the road il was often
his daring habit to sit on the cow-catcher and
get the first breath as tho train bounded along
around curves, through cuts and over the
trestles OF deep ravines. His life was insured
to cover all accidents for the benefit OF his
family, and little did he seem to caro- whether
it was long drawn out or suddenly cut short.
His animal spirits were at full play and it
life enough to live. One day as he was riding
along ia that manner his engine stopped at
junction and an elderly gentleman Of ro:uud
form, smooth, kindly face. broad-brimmed hat
aud linen duster. climbed of O train that had
just arrived and coming to the young pay
master inquired if there was not room
in front for two. It's like hanging
onto the cornice OF HI was the re-
ply, but il you like the job there's always
room for one more We may all need
a little practice Of that and with your consent
I'll take q turn at it now responded the
elderly man in merry tone and manner that
betrayed of once witty and cultured mind.
He was quickly seated, for tho engine was
ready to pull out. and soon with their inner
al JUS Aockeu tOSeSuet cilnplng 10 iron
horse with their other hands they were gallop-
ing away, the crisp autumn air whistiing about
them in their flight. The scenery there is rug
ged, and at that season of the year the foliage
OF the woods has beauty unknown in n south
ern climate. Tho old man drank it all in and
by questioning his companion who had dwelt
80 long among those western wilds, gathered
rich store of information. In turn he told of
trips over the Alps in language and manner SO
entertaining as to awaken in his young comrade-
in-arms a very profound admiration. Sure
thing the old gents no slouch or tenderfoot'
he unused to himself az they sped Along. For
twenty or thirty miles they rode in that man.
ner, the while busted in conversation, till their
engine stopped for a drink. Then they retired
to q car that was attached, and as the paymas-
ter's destination had been reached he ex-
pressed to the stranger the pleasure received
from his unexpected company, and handing
him a card received one In exchange. Tho
young man had been delighted with his CON-
panion, but was now almost dumbfounded
when he read in plain script letter, Henry
Ward Beecher.' In little time his speech re-
turned and he begged several thousand par
dons for having assumed to instruct the worlds
greatest pulpit orator and lecturer He also
wished to expunge from the record many very
forcible expletives he had used that are not
adapted to pulpit oratory. But Mr.. Bcecher
insisted that he had been highly entertained rs
well as instructed and hoped they would meet
again when neither Of them would be hang
ing onto the cornice of HI"