Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1898-04-20

When they decided to go to the sta
ton to see him off they were not try
ing an experiment in psychology nor
were they thinking of the copy book
precept about the sensations attached
to the different situations of the mind.
They reckoned solely and simply on
giving him a pleasing little surprise
because he would not look for them to
be there. For men of strong friend
ship, healthy, vigorous impulses and
physiques accustomed to campaigns of
hardship, the reception ito the depart
pleasant midnight incident in two busy
lives. And two more cheerful men
never faced time table or shook the
hand of speeding friend. There was a
stretch of twenty minutes before the
departure of the train and they were
not surprised that he was not there.
They agreed that he would give him
self about five minutes, and they spent
ten minutes in looking about. They
discovered that the eastern through
train was thirty minutes late and
gave themselves up to hilarity.
If he reached the station within
five minutes of the right time
there would be thirty-five minutes
of ripened good-fellowship. The
plot was thickening to their in
terest without an effort At exactly
three minutes before the trains regu-
lar time the swinging doors at the
station few back and he went sweep
ing down the floor of the general wait
ing room at three minute gait. But
they were upon him before he got
halfway to the opposite end.
Don't hurry yourself" they said,
gleefully. mouths watering, your
trains thirty minutes late"
THAT so2"
yep; Just inquired about it and
that's what the man said"
"Gad, I'm glad OF it. wanted a
drink and thatll give me a chance to
get it. Wouldn't have had time any
other way"
We'll you've got plenty of time
NOW. Let's go over here and get some
thing lore you go"
just so; that's what we'll do this
very minute. Come on"
So across the street they went. Still
the thirst that is healthy and of that
generous democracy we like so we'll
needs never to spend much time in. ex-
ploraiions.
by George, I'm glad that train was
delayed. My throat's like a burnt
sponge. all filed up with dust
Good thing for Srou.''
Should say so. | didn't expect 10
eeSyou fellows down here. though"
ON, we thought we'd come down and
help you get away IN good shape. Have
another fore we GO back"
Yves, one more I've only got ten
minutes left, boys, and we'd better get
back in time don't want two scares
ON one train the same night"
You're all righr now for while.
Best TO guard against accihe nt."
Always do Well, here's a good
thing to everybody This flask'll be
handy tomorrow"
We'll, say"
:indeedy. They've got The most VII
lainous whisky in Ohio thar man.
What did yon aay, Ohio?"
Yes, Why?-
That where yu6re going?"
Tof course, and u'n never forget the
last time r." crash! went glass on
the floor, while three big, strong men
looked at each other in the most sense
less fashion You ever saw.
Well Why, ,yom strains gone
twenty minutes agG,"
"Didnt you say lit was thirty min
,ates late?"
Yes l thought you were going ON
that eastern train IFS the one that's
thirty minutes
EASTERN train be hanged, What
made yonlthink was going east?"
Nothing. l dont know. / can't
think. Don't ask me. I'm jay"
well, IL this isn't q nice mess"
What business had Il to come down
here in the first place. Might have
known it'd lie Jonabed. thought-"
'Mou thoaght. Take another one,
raehhe you can do bettar. Now the
whole trips spoiled just because"
just because / thought i could
think. I'll quit it,"
Might as well go home now said
the cutoff traveller sullenb, He real
lied with the ether two how sharper
sometimes than q serpent's tooth is the
friend VINO comes to the station to give
you send-off, and without the least
provoeatien takes il for granted that
you are going east when you are west
ward bound"