The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1900-12-13
RATES
By NADGE SUTHERLAND CLARKE.

By NADGI SUTHERLAND CLARKE.
Copyright. 1900. by Madge Sutherland Clarke.l
Jack Corlears turned slowly away
from the door Of the cut rate ticket of
fee in Savannah. He had staked all
he had on a venture and lost, and now
he wanted to get back to New York
There at least was life, and If he was
to starve he preferred to do 1t where
he might gain some amusement during
the process. Besides, in New York the
unexpected was always likely to hap
pen. and chance and change were the
only gods on his altnr. The day be-
fore he had pawned his watch, bis
leather valise and his supertluous
clothing. This morning. after paying
his hotel bill. he had just IS left In his
pocket. The regular fare to New York
by boat was $50. by rail $50. The
scalper's office could do little better for
him
He stared for a moment at the big
blue letters on the window Of the of.
flee. then turned on his heel. As he
did SO thickset men with a red face
and a light overcoat came out Of the
ticket office. He clapped Corlcars IA
miliarly on the back.
"See here" be said. IL heard you ask
Ing about cut rates to New York. II
you've got nerve enough to take the
chances on this, I'll sell it for So and
what cigars you've got about you" He
held up long. somewhat soiled rail
way ticket, much stamped and counter
stamped in blue and red ink. Il bought
1t Of fellow in New York last week
for $40. He said 1t was n square re.
turn ticket from Savannah that he
hadn't used because he went to Texas
first. I've struck an easy thing here,
30 I'm going 10 stay and don't want It."
Corlears looked. attentively al the
ticket. 1t was rather dubious look
Ing affair. but the lowest slip was
marked Savannah and the uppermost
one New York. 1t was a chance, and
he seized it.
"All right" ne said.
III you've got gall enough, you'll
work it. | guess you'll have to bluff
some. but you're swell looking chap.
and that'll help"
Corlears gave him SO and drew three
cigars from his pocket They're all
have about me. but they're good ones"
"I'll leave you one for luck" said the
red faced man. $50 long!'
Corlears stood for an instant making
his plans. Then he walked to the
pawnshOp and redeemed his valise. BY
means Of some newspapers and a few
stones he added the necessary weight:
then he lunched. bought clean collar
and strolled to the station. When Cor
lears stepped on the north bound train
that evening. two porters Wed for the
honor Of carrying his valise.
pullman dis way. sahT'
Smoker" said Cerlsars sententious-
".
When the conductor made his nrst
round, Corlears handed him his ticket
without looking up from his paper.
The man glanced casually at It: then
examined 1t carefully. After that he
took long look at Corlears. who OBJ
served him In the mirror opposite.
"Where did you buy this ticketr he
asked.
"In Savannah, OF course" said Cor
lears carelessly.
"Whenr
"This afternoon"
He took the ticket away with him.
Through the glass door Corlears could
see him In earnest colloquy with a
brakeman. At last he returned.
There Is something crooked about
this ticket, SIR"
Coriears looked incredulouA What
do you mean by that" he asked
sharply.
"Well. the road hasn't issued that
kind Of excursion ticket since the LIST
Of November. It was good for 90 days,
you know" The conductors tone was
almost apologize.
"Look at the date. should say that
would settle It" Corlears looked bored.
"Well. we think the dates been al
tered. The 8 has been changed to a 1,
making the date January instead Of
September.
Corlears scrutinized the ticket. n
see no evidence Of It," be said coldly.
"However. It's no affair of mine.
bought the ticket and paid for It; the
road Is responsible"
He turned to his paper. The con-
ductor shifted uneasily and finally
turned away.
1.-THE plot thickens." Corlears said 10
himself. Anyhow. an two hours
nearer New York than was IN Sa.
vannah." He went to sleep. At 10
o'clock the train ran into Columbia,
where a new conductor came on. In
about an hour Corlears saw him ap
proach, though he pretended to be still
asleep. The new man was very direct
in his methods.
"Look herew he said. shaking Cor.
lears by the arm. This ticket won't