Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1896-12-05
COWcATCHER SHOOTING.
railroad Mon Mako II Pleasant For an
Enthusiastic Gunner.

railroad Mon Mako II Pleasant For an
Enthusiastic Gunner.
Speaking of accommodating officials
on the different railroads, it would seem
that those running on the mixed train
of the Phillips and Rangeley railroad
should be presented with the "blue rib
bon" for the careful attention they pay
to its passengers, and when one asks for
favor, if it is in the power of the train
mon, it will be granted.
The other day party Of jolly drum
mers were coming up the line, and the
ensire party were we'll supplied with
ammunition. They were mixing little
sport in with their business calling.
Among the number was William L.
Gerrish of Portland. The trainmen were
telling about seeing cartridges nearly
every trip, and this rather enthused the
party and started the sporting blood in
Mr.. Gerrish 8 veins to flow moro fierce
", and after it had made several trips
through his anatomy the gentleman was
prepared to face almost any obstacle in
order to get even shot at the almost
numberless birds that inhabited the
woods on either side of tho railroad
track.
But all this time his mind had been
busy thinking up some schomo whereby
no could got chance to fire at one or
two.
st have It'll" said he TO himself, and
moment later his actions were causing
as much comment among his fellow
passengers as would Cash of lightning
from oloudless sky. All the while he
was putting his thoughts into action.
He arose, took his gun from the case,
inserted couple Of charges and started
for the door of tho caboosc.
"Where going, Gerrish?" asked one.
Going to shoot partridge, replied
the drummer sportsman.
They thought he lad become sudden
~ insane and was going TO jump from
the train. But this idea was soon dis
PEELED from their minds, for momont
later all that could be seen of this er-
ratio sportsman was his patent feathers
dangling from the top of the freight
car, and moment later he had entirely
disappeared from view. His companions
ouailed with fear. Had be fallen from
his lofty seat on the freight car, or had
he seen bird and made wild plunge
in midair for his much cherished game?
They went to tho door and peeped out.
Ho Ind vanished. They looked back.
Nothing could be seen but the imasi-
nary form Of what was but moment ago
one of the jolly party and a brother in
the Order of Sntchels and Trunks.
But the mGn-oh, where was he?
Safe and sound, and by the time his
friends had given up the hunt, o train
hand came in, and seeing the anxious
look upon the faces Of his passengers
assured them that the missing man was
safe and warming his back against the
boiler on the cowcatchor. He had gone
from the caboose, over the cars, through
the engine AMI seated himself IN this
conspicuous place, Watching for the "en-
emy." He had not long to wait, for
right ahead he spied beautiful bird.
He put his gun TO his shoulder and
blazed away. The bird flu,tored mo-
ment, keeled over and WAS no moro.
He signaled to the engineer to stop, and
as soon as possible the train was brought
to standstill.
Running back. he procured his prize,
and on being told to hurry up and get
aboard he started at once. But he stub
bed his toe, purposely his friends shy'
and fell in shapeless mass upon the
roadbed.
The train started on. The man arose,
brushed the sand from out Of his eyes
and started for the woods to find tie
dead birds mate. 1t was growing dark
and he was several miles from Rangeley.
He set his wits to work. About time for
the night train, he thought. No time
to lose. He immediately made torch
and signaled the train. 1t stopped, no
got aboard and on his arrival was greet
ed with hearty handshake By his many
friends, who were anxiously waiting at
the Oquossoc the arrival Of their friend,
the cowcatcher hunter. Lewiston Jour
nal.