The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1898-05-28

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 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 to the depart
ing one was altogether nothing but
pleasant midnight incident in two busy
lives. And two more cheerful men
never faced a time table or shook the
hand of speeding friend. There was
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 hilarlty.
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
lar time the swinging doors at the
station flew back and he went sweep
ing down the floor of the general wait
ing room at a 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 so?''
yep; just inquired about it and
that's what the man said"
Cad, I'm glad of it. I wanted
drink and that'll give me a chance to
get it. wouldn't have had time any
other way"
"WeIl, you've got plenty of time
now. Let's go over here and get some
thing fore 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 well
needs never to spend much time in ex-
ploratiOns.
by George, I'm glad that train was
delayed. My thrOat's like a burnt
sponge, all filled up with dust"
Good thing for you"
Should say so. l didn't expect to
see you fellows down here, though"
"Oh we thought we'd come down and
help you get away in good shape. Have
another fore we go back"
Eyes, one more. I've only got ten
minutes left, boys, and we'd better get
back in time. l don't want two scares
on one train the same night"
You're all right now for while.
Best to guard against accident"
Always do. Well, here's a good
thing to everybody. This flaskll be
handy tomorrow"
We'll, say"
"Indeedy. They've got the most vii
famous whisky in Ohio that man"
What did you say Ohio?"
Eyes! Why?"
That where you're going?"
of course, and I'll never forget the
last time /" crash! went a glass on
the floor, while three big, strong men
looked at each other in the most sense
less fashion you ever saw.
well Why, your trains gone
twenty minutes ago!"
Didn't you say it was thirty min
utes late?"
Yes I thought you were going on
that eastern train. It's the one that's
thirty minutes"
Eastern train be hanged! What
made you think was going east?"
Nothing. l don't know. I can't
think. Don't ask me. I'm jay"
We'll, if this isn't nice mess"
What business had to come down
here in the first place. Might have
known it'd be Jonahed. thought"
You thought. Take another one,
mebbe you can do better. Now the
whole trips spoiled just because"
Just because l thought I could
think. I'll quit it,
Might as we'll go home now" said
the cutoff traveller sullenly. He real
lied with the other two how sharper
sometimes than serpent's tooth is the
friend who comes to the station to give
you a send-off, and without the least
provocation takes it for granted that
you are going east when you are west
ward bound"