South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1891-08-28

FRIDAY. AUGUST 20. 1891.
Il CONDU CToRS NOBILITY.

A
and dusty day in June. the air WAS
sitting, and / stood impatiently
watching tue incoming trains
Soon long Western train came
stesmiug and putting into the station.
Nowto me. thers 10 something very
human about q great putting, wheez-
ing, whistling engine. with its many
car. attached, and its proud sssump.
ton OF right of way;' and while
stood waiting, I noted With real pleas
uie the begrimed and selt-forgetful
engineer moving about his engine /,
rubbing it down, polishing 1t here
and there, apparently pstting It on
the back, aud ehuckling over 1t as
much as to say: Well done, old fell
low, you've done good stroke of
business. I'll bet on you'll Now.
bri shten up, and give us another
runi
Turning from the engine, watch.
cd the passengers. a tired and dusty
thtong, as they came pouring out of
the well packed cars. Look at them
-childreu crying, women looking
anx iou,, Western sportsmen With their
dogs, young men with noboy KNAPP
sacks, prim ladies with not Q feather
ruff cd, big men with umbrellas, sharp
eyed spectators with sharper elbo ws
here they all come, hurrying. bust
ling, rushing for other trains, and
fearful of being left.
This is an every day picture. but
my attention was especially attracted
to young couple, who had waited
till the very last to get off the train,
evidently to avoid the rush and con
fusion. The man vas an invalid, one
could tell that al q glance, for be
crept cautiously from the car, and,
supported by his young and pretty
wife, was lifted into the Chicago and
a lton train, ready, waiting for start.
IL being the same upon which 1 was to
goI followed the couple and took my
seal near them in the car.
1t is but . moment before the bell
rings and the stately train with its
beautiful cars moves out, passes un
der the CITY then upon that wonderful
bridge that crosses the Misslssippi
then, as if glad TO be freed from the
restraint Of tunnel and bridge, the en-.
giue gives forth one prolonged. self.
satisfied whistle aud then steam,
away.
The fresh air, the easy cars. thu
comfortable surroundings, aud above
all, the one more turn toward home
revive the sick man. His-face shine,
with . hopeful happiness, and the
tired wife smiles too, glad in hii
gla,incss.
Soon the car door opens. and the
tall broad shouldered conduc or walk
in. To begin with, like his looks
there is something grand about tina
man. II isn't height or his broad
shoulders that mark him OF glarc,
as one OF natures noblemen-what
Isit2 The Chicago Sc Alton must
have picked their men II they are al
like this. Well I'll wait and see,
said to myself.
There he comes dewn the car auC
stops beside the sick man; be tskeI
bis ticket, turns ii over. looks a. i
a9ain-something wrong l fear-th'
wife looks anxious, and | hear the sicE
man say: On the wrong road did you
say, conductor ?-ticSet no good
Is not this the Chicago train
Yes, answered the con duetor, ia (
tone full Of sympathy, for his eyes
had taken in st glance the situa-
ton, yes but your ticket would take
you over the Wabash this is The
Chicago s. Alton road.
This was more than the little wo
man could bear. and she burst int
tears, as she said Almost home
how can We turn back and wait an,
other dSyP
Taking the conductor by the hsuC
che pulls him down 10 her and wbis
pers though loud enough for me u
hear, We have no money, our journ
ey has been a long one, way from To,
fartbest West-my husband. sir, lOoI
ct him how can no waltz Oh, sir
plan for us--to wait another train
Oh, my poor husband will die
Then that great SlaIWart conduo' o
whose heat was as tender as
cbild's, said 10 the poor womaa, New
or mind, keep up good courage, 10.
money shall carry you through.
( God bless you, we're all the word
she could utter, while the busban,
pressed the great generous band tbs
prom ised 10 help him through.
Right behind me, sitting upon tn
arm OF the seat, was a brlgbtseye,
chubby little girl. who bad evidentl
been watching the tall conductor wit
no litSls interest, Finally she coult
stand II no longer, and calling out a
if 70 give everybody in the car an in
Production 10 the conductor, she ssys
That 'ductor is Uncle Dan. like'
Uncle Dan he's dOod.
What do you know Of Uncle Dan
said gIum-looking man across %
way. II he's your uncle, OF cours
he's good TO you.
! Hes ell the chilun's uncle tel
you Uncle Dams the bestest mar
you ever saw. I've seen him for,
10. day. and ell the chiluns call hlu
I Uncle Dan. ! des that's what Do
made him 50 big for added The it'll
! ono