The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-03-16

| over his head shook violently. The steam
| Of the brakes Kissed, the car wheels began
grinding and the train stopped in the midst
| of a wide, unbroken stretch of prairie.
There were angry words of alteration
ahead.
The conductor was putting off a man
| who would not pay his fare.
Get off, said the conductor.
put your hand on me-" said the other
holly.
Get off," said the conductor. cor whack
up"
"See here" said the fellow, a rather IN
progressing man with a heavy growth of
| beard. Let me get out of this country. j
know il is against your orders, but let me
ride Have a little humanity in you.
Laugh now, but I've seen better days and
I've paid this company pile of money in
my time Have a little mercy. I've got to
get out of this country and 1 won't walk.
What do you say? Let me ride
The conductor smiled. Get off," he IN
sisted.
Put your hand on me-" said the man.
"And 1 will"
"Why?" asked the conductor cur!ously.
The fare TO Gaylord Is ninety cents. I've
tender that to you
''Stop your gassing," said the conductor.
''and step off,"
II will when you put your hand on me.
I know wha: the courts have held. And
so do you. If I step off here OF my own &C
cord am technically not put of. II l
step off with your hand on my shoulder I
am put off and I'll make the company
sweat. I can quote you the statutes anu
the page II necessary. Put your hand on
me and I'll make the company sweat"
The vagabond stood on the lower step
waiting to spring from the train the mo-
ment the conductor touched him. But the
conductor was cautious. He feared the
man was right.
Get off," he growled.
mot unless you touch me-" he said.
Burr had come to the door and stood
watching the controversy with interest.
He spoke. ell turning to him In surprise.
'rn pay the fellows fare" said Burr.
LET him ride
The musician took some loose change
from hig pocket and paid the fare.
Come In here" said Burr taking the
vagabond by the shoulders.
The vagabond shrank back. mot into a
Pullman?" he asked. They wouldn't let
me ride. If you're going to be that chart
table, give me the price of seat In there
and I'll take 1t and buy grub and be per-
fectly comfortable in common coach"
Come in here" said Burr. I'll give you
the price of meal anyway. 1 want to talk
to you"
The two passed into the sleeper. The
vasabond hesitated to take a seat and
shook his dirty clothes apologetically.
'slt down." said Burr whats your
story?''
81 won't tell II. It's chestnut A hard
luck story, Mister, and no mistake. I've
been farming. 1t sounds old, but I'm go
ing to tell you that I've seen better days"
81 know that" answered Burr.
I'm glad my countenance isn't entirely
degenerate said the other.
''Do you smoker" asked Burr. Let US
go into the smoking apartment"
The other arose and followed.
"A Havana" he exclaimed, taking CT
gar. "As sure as life. Why, It's like an
old friend"
you've smoked them before?"
You won't believe me, but have"
81 know that"
The two men smoked silently, one lost In
the wonders of Havana, the other in his
cigarette.
Burr was planning stunning attack. He
finally had the question phrased exactly
to suit him and he looked the man square
ly in the eye and asked:
Mr. Williams, hows the New York Choir
company"
The vagabond sprang to his feet.
who are you?" he exclaimed grasping
the others hand. rs II Bond OF the Casino
at Newark? Is it Hopkins of the Grand Al
Peoria? No. Is it Gross of the Palace al
Altoona? No. For heavens sake, man,
who are you? Williams, That's who l
am! Who are you. MANI"
do you remember Agnes Andrews?"
asked Burr
Juliet? Well I guess / do. Have you
heard about her. too? Away up in the
world now. I've heard, for I've seen few
papers. Say! Let me tell you story that
is a story You see I was running a COM
pany through this country and Agnes was
playing Juliet. One night We picked up
a walf named Burr. Agnes took a liking
to him and took him away. Afterwards he
became something tremendous in the world
You remember Burr?" asked Burr.
The vagabond studied the face OF the
questioner. His mouth opened slowly. He
arose from his seat, backed off, took his
hat from his head and bowed hunbly.
Come. sit down." said Burr smiling.
The vagabond shook his head.
You know me then?'
Yes" said the other with his head still
down
Sit down"
NO. Mr. Burr. am a vagabord. I
never did you good in the world tried TO
do you dirt 1 don't deserve H. 1 shall not
sit down. One word about Agnes. and
then / shall co.
"She Is well
The man looked at Burr almost fearful
Iy and turned TO go
''Yoy hired NE once" said Burr. Il have
something now Here is fifty dollars. Take
IL"
The vagsbond took the money as man
IN dream
LET me kiss your hand" said the vsEa-
bond
shake it, said Burr. That's better"
And so Williams departed. backing down
the aisle through the car
Go 10 your library; get Little Breeches,'
read It: and yea win know that Mckinley
has sent an American 10 the Court OF ST
James ana the most American aInSasssdo.