The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-01-28
THE LOST DIME.
BY JENNIE p. ARNOLD.

strikes was mentioned ana my 1rlenu re-
marked: "I believe l understood both
Ides of the story pretty we'll, for l was
conductor on the - avenue line for near
H a year"
"Youa conductorl' I said in surprise,
81 never knew that before, but then, 1
added, "as our acquaintance extends
only over little more than two years
you might have been a highwayman be-
lore that for all I know to the contrary" /"
II hardly think car conductor can
be classed with that fraternity, though
perhaps some of the bosses think they
are little better, when they abuse them
of having so much of the company's
money stick to their fingers; but never
speculated in Wall street or bought a
brown stone front with my accupdla-
lions in that line. came to New York
about four years ago with the promise of
Q situation in the Office of the - Avenue
Horse Railroad Company, but there was
no vacancy at that time, and, as nothing
better offered, I accepted place as con-
ductor while waiting; but nearly a year
passed before they were ready for me in
the office, and in the meantime had an
opportunity of learning considerable Of
the ins and outs of the business. Iadded
something to my knowledge of human
nature if not to my bank account"
His oldest child, bright-eyed, mis-
ehievous little sprite of eight years,
came up at that moment and laid her
check against his shoulder, while her
hands tightly clasped his arm.
, "Ah, Puss!" he said, catching her up
and giving her a toss in the air, then
setting her on his knee as he resumed:
"Youd be surprised at all the ingenious
devices to beat q conductor out of q
fare, from the well-dressed gentlemen
who have left their pocket books in the
other trousers pockets, to the half
drunken hummer who never has another
pair of trousers to leave nickel in, but
who rides as far as he can and when put
off for non-payment of fare, halls the
next car and so keeps on until he reaches
his destination. But the toughest of all
Is when a woman claims to have lost her
purse, or something of the kind, and
her helplessness appeals to fellows gal
lautry. used to ring in fare out of
my own pocket at such times until 1
caught some of the schemers laughing at
my softness, then I decided wasn't so
green as to get sold that way again.
The company was very strict, it was
all a fellows place was worth
to let any one ride without
paving fare, no matter what the circum-
stances; our orders were to compel
women, as we'll as men, to leave the car
unless they paid. If we felt in the least
lenient in enforcing this order we could
never tell which passenger might be a
'.spotter," or how soon we might get
called into the Office and discharged.
I'll never forget one case of the kind. 1t
was cold day in December, and the
President of the road was in the car;
what he was there for never knew, but
he occasionally rode up and down, for
inspection, suppose. At Grand street
two niccly-dressed ladies got on, who
paid their fare outzre well-flled purses;
not very common occurrence where
ladies are returning from shopping at the
Grand street bargain stores, eh Fanny2"
with laughing glance at his wife, who
was rocking il an easy chair with the
baby, a fine plump little fellow a year
old, in her lap.
"You ought to know BEST" was the
response, "seeing you had year to
study up the subject"
~ shouldn't have noticed these so
particularly only for what followed. At
the next crossing a woman was waiting.
! saw that she was young, was dressed in
black, and had very sad expression.
She had large bundle and fceble-lcok-
ing baby in her arms, while holding to her
dress was thrce-year-old toddler with
round rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes.
Istepped off to help the woman on and
took the little girl in my arms. I always
had soft spot in my heart for children
of tho genuine sort, not little old men
and women. My friends used to chaff
=, me on liking pretty little girls better
thaa I did the big ones, and I think they
were about right. This ono was so
bright and pretty I wanted to give her q
hug and kiss, but had learned that it
isn't always wise to try it with the little
girls any more than with the older
ones"
"I yikes to wide!" tic little puss
said, looking up into my face all smiles
and dimples, and showing her pretty
white teeth between her rosy lips, 1T
makes my tootsies told to walk, holding
up her plump little foot poorly protected
from the cold pavement by well-worn
shoe"
"'Well, you shall get them all nice
and warm, said, making room for her
beside the stove. The mother dropped
into seat with sigh of weariness, and
placing her bundle on the floor shifted
the baby to her lap to relieve her tired
arms. I was called away to attend to
other passengers, and returning held out
nv hand for the mothers fare. The little
girl was holding out her poor worn little
shoes to the fire.
"'It's dood and warm here, she said,
with face all smiles and dimples, as ]
stopped beside her.
"'That's right, get all warmed
through Isaid, pattiaS her on the head,
then turned to the mother again. She
had shifted the baby to her left knee
and was carefully searching her pocket
a troubled, anxious expression came
over her face, then one of alarm fcl.
lowed.