Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1897-09-08
A NOVELTY IN SPORT.
a Drummer Shoots Partridges from
the Cowcatcher.

Speaking of accommodating Off
cials on the different railroads IL
would seem that those running on
the mixed train Of the Phillips and
ltangcley railroad should be pre-
sented with the blue ribbon" for
the careful attention they pay to its
passengers, and when one asks for
n favor if it is in the power of the
trainmen, il will be granted.
The other day a party of Jolly
drummcrs were coming up the line,
and the entire party were well sup
piled with ammunition. They were
mixing little sport In with their
business calling. Among the num-
ber was William l.. Gerrish. of
Portland. The trainmen were tell.
ing about seeing partridge nearly
every trip, and this rather en-
thuscd the party and starNd tho
sporting blood in Mr.. Gerrish's
veins TO flow more fiercely, and.
after IL had made several trims
through his anatomy the gentleman
was prepared TO face almost any 3D.
stacle in order To get even a shc, e.
the almost numbcrless birds that in
habltcd the woods on either side OF
the railroad track.
But all this time his mind had
been busy thinking up some scheme
whereby he could get a chance to
tire at one or two
II have it," he said TO himself
and moment later his actions were
causing as much comment among
ms fellow passengers as would a
Hash OF lightning from cloudless
sky. All the while he was putting
his thoughts into action. He arose,
took his gun from the case, inserted
n couple of cartridges, and started
for the door of the caboose.
Where are you going, Gerrishr'
asked one.
Going to shoot partridge" re-
piled the drummer sportsman.
They thought he had become sud-
denly insane and was going TO Jump
from the train. But this idea was
soon dispelled from their minds, for
moment later all that could be-
seen OF this erratic sportsman was
his patent feathers dangling from
the top OF the freight car, and mo-
ment later he had entirely disap-
pcared from view His companions
quailed with fear. Had be fallen
from his lofty seat on the freight
car, or had he seen bird and made
a wild plunge in midair for his much
cherished gamer They went TO tho
door and peered out. He had van
ishcd. They looked back. Nothing
could be seen but the imaginary
form OF what was but "a moment ago
one OF n Jolly party and a brother in
the Order of Satchelsand Trunks"
But the man, "Oh, where is her"
Safe and sound, and by the time
his friends had given up the hunt a
train hand came in, and seeing the
anxious look upon the faces OF his
passengers, assured them that ths
missing member was safe and warml
ing his back against the boiler on
the COW catcher. He had gone from
the caboose over the cars, through
the engine, and seated himself in
this conspicuous place for the ZEN
emy.' Ho had not long 20 wait, for
right ahead he spied a beautiful
bird. He put his gun TO his shoA-.
der and blazed away. The bird aut-
tered a moment, koeled over. and
was no more He signaled TO the
engineer 20 stop, and as soon as DOS
sible the train was brought TO q
standstll.
Running back he procured his
prize, and, on being told 20 hurry
and get aboard, he started at once.
But he stubbed his toe purposely,
his friends say, and fell in a shape.
less mass upon the roadbed.
The train started on. The man
arose, brushed the sand from out of
his eyes, and started for the woods
10 find the dead birds mate. But
it was growing dark and be was
several miles from Rangcley. He
set his wits 10 work About time
for the night train, he thought No
time % lose lie immediately made
a torch and sigDaled the train. II
stopped, he got aboard, and on his
arrival was greeted With a hearty
handshake by his many friends,
who were anxiously waiting at the
Oquossoc the arrival Of their friend.
the cowcatcher hunter. -- Lewiston
Jos...-l.