Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-08-27
THE PASSENGERS Revesas.
A Dtsobligtns Oar Conductor Paid In His
Own Coin.

n b1SoDugrnG Oar CONDUCTOR PAID In His
Own Coin.
He was q surly conductor on one Of the
lines of horse cars that run along the west
side Of town and find their terminus in the
lower part of the city. His attitude to
ward the longsuffering public was one of
much contempt and utter indifference OF
their convenieDces and rights be had even
less regard than men of his profession usu-
ally have, and be seemed TO take flendish
delight In making the patrons of the line
as uncomfortable as was possible
A man with dress suit case coming up
side street from Jersey ferry hailed him
just as the car passed the corner. There
were urgent reasons why the traveller
should catch this particular car, for he had
an imperative appointment. But the con-
ductor simply smiled fiendish, mocking
smile and never moved hand TO ring the
bell. The man had no alternative. He
grabbed his bag, ran, and, sprinting for q
block and half, finally managed to swing
himsef on the rear platform, perspiring
painting and tired out When he had re-
covered his breath, he looked the conductor
over, prepared to speak his mind in words
more forcible perhaps than elegant Then,
a second thought taking possession of him,
he concluded that there was more dignity
in silence; so curbiEg his anger, the out
burst was suppressed and the car proceeded
iolting down downward.
A dozen streets farther on there was an
annoying block for q few moments and
when 1t was over the driver, anxious to
make up for lost time, put the whip to the
horses, sending them ahead on the jump
The sudden start, the lurch forward, made
the conductor stagger for moment, catch
himself, and before he could quite recover
of went his cap over the dashboard into
the street In second the car was many
feet away and rapidly widening the dis
tance- Forgetting the past, with an i'm
ploring' look he jumped off after his head
gear, eXclaiming as he did SO to the man
with the dress suit case, who had remained
on the rear platform, "Say, young feller,
just pull that bell strap"
It's possible that the young feller" was
deaf. Maybe he was not paying attention,
or, human nature not being altogether in
fallible, perchance the one opportunity Of
the passenger's life now presented itself,
for the traveller moved not muscle The
horses sped on, and the conductor, having
secured his cap, followed at his best gait
His shouts were lost In the noise of the
street, and the driver, bfissfully ignorant
of his comrades plight, urged his beasts
on Passersby looked on in amused inter
est No one IN the car save the man from
Jersey was aware Of the circumstances
Just how long the unequal race would
have continued Is matter for speculation
But another block Of trucks brought
things to standstill, and the cashier of
the tramway regained his platform.
He was ready with string of choice ex-
pletives, for be realized that the passenger
was responsible In measure for his invol-
untary dash. But as his breath came TO
him he, too, paused The passengers face
bore q look of quiet satisfaction-of calm,
unruffied contentment and imperturbabil-
ity, Perhaps the conductor thought he
could not do the subject justice, for sus-
picion that words were inadequate may
have crossed his mind. Maybe he realized
with the late Mr. Byron that
80" II we do but watch the hour,
There never yet was human power
Which could evade, If unforgiven,
The patient search and vigil long
OF him who treasures up O wrong.
And the conductor, like the passenger,
took refuge In silence New York Times.