Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1898-01-27
GAVE HIS RIVAL a FAST RIDE.
Courtship of n California Conductor
Brought TO n sudden Termination.


On the Southern Pacific railway in
California, not far from Mojave, is lit
tie station, "spur track" box ear for
a telegraph Office and a section house
composing the whole. The station
house is, or was, presided over by
handsome and hearty Irish woman.
who kept house for her husband. The
''hands," being Chinese, cooked for
themselves. The duties of the agent
consisted of reporting the passage of
trains (none of them stopped) and
feeding himself. Two or three miles
to the west was what is termed in that
section a milk ranch. This ranch con-
tanned n widow and three buNom girls.
her daughters.
One might have supposed that the
agent, being Johnny on the spot" as
il were. stood better chance than the
rest of the railroaders, but such was
not the case. There was certain con-
ductor, Hardy by name. who leaned in
the direction of the widow, and he was
equal to the occasion. His plan Of
operations was unique and daring. lie
would send his train ahead, leaving the
caboose at the station. Then, of course.
taking account of other trains due. he
would wander over to the ranch and
spend all his spare cash in milk and
his spare time in blarney. Returning he
would station himself on the front
platform of the caboose, like trolley
man, and "let her go, Gallagher" down
40 miles of grade, while he controlled
the car by means of the brake. catch
his train at the next station and pro-
ceed.
The agent did not like this very well.
Unfortunately for him his duties were
such as to confine him to his box car
Office almost continually, so that he
had no chance to prosecute his suit, eN-
cept when the ladies paid visit to the
station house. After much brooding
he decided to put n stop TO further pro-
ceedings on the part of the conductor
and awaited his opportunity 1t was a
bright day in June when the train
pulled in, and as the conductor gave
the engineer a joyful and significant
high BALI the latter pulled out, leav-
ing a caboose at the station. There was
a short salute and hurried departure
as the conductor left the agent and the
latter proceeded to business. He first
placed ''chock" against a wheel of the
car and then disconnected the brake
chain. He placed the connected chain
in such a position that touch would
displace il and then awaited the return
of his hated rival.
Like triumphant gladiator Hardy
returned. With scarce a look at the
agent he ascended the platform. kicked
off the dog" that held the brake. and
with mingled feeling of security and
pleasure felt the ear move down the
grade. That ear certainly moved. Con.
ductor Hardy was heard to say after
ward that nothing could have passed
it but lightning. The inhabitants of
Mojave tell to this day of n yellow
streak which flashed through their
town and was gone almost as soon as
il arrived. That was Mr.. Hardy and |
the caboose. As luck would have il !
the train had gone into siding. so that |
the track was clear. and after dovelike !
flight of about so miles the wild caboose
came to stand. Mr.. Hardy "never |
came back any more so far as the
widow was concerned. - Anaconda |
Mont \ Standard