The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-27

Y
to the siding. to give the right
OF way to the east bound lim-
tied. There were three sharp
blasts from the whistle, a
wheeling of the brake-hose, a crash
of couplings. and the f'anges snubbed
the rails until the creaking wheels
came to a stop. Several passengers
yentured out on the platforms, where
they stood with collars turned up,
hands deep in pockets, shivering and
discussing the cause of the delay. The
coach following the tender was
smoker. and was occupied by COM
pany OF United States volunteers, re-
turning home after years service In
the South. The men who came out OF
this car smoked cigarettes and pipes,
and swore impartially at the weather
and at the engineer.
1t was not an inviting scene. The
atmosphere was raw and the wind Bit
ing. The rain was falling in a steady
drizzlc. and the clouds of black smoke
that rolled from the locomotive huddled
near the ground like heavy fog. The
flag depending from the roof of the
smoker was water-soaked, and waggcd
TO and fro in the wind. The sky was a
monochrome of dull gray, which blend
ed naturally with the color of the earth.
The clearing OH each side of the track
was covered with blackened stumps
and dead underground. To the left, on
the ridge of low hill, against the
sombre skyline, was fringe of'apple
trees, their outlines so obscured by the
blue of the rain that they looked like
the faint traccres of figures on ancient
tapestry.
The air inside the smoker was heavy
with the fumes of tobacco. So thick
was the haze that the soldiers In their
uniforms Of a shade not much darker
than smoke, looked more like silhou-
cites than human beings. Faces were
indistinguisha bic at three yards, and
the sharpest eycsight could not pene-
trate the length Of the car. Out of this
hive of smoke issued a constant buzz
of voices. subdued to drone by the
vibrant bass Of the swaying trucks.
When the train stopped this sound
swelled into a strident claihor. one part
laughter, three parts grumbling.
In one corner of the car, near the
water tank, four soldiers were playing
pedro. They talked loudly and gesticu-
that hazard small sums on games Of
chance. A soldier with more curiosity
than caution opened window near
the players. A brisk pun of wind
swept in, gathered up the cards, and
distributed them to different corners
=. of the car. The four gamestcrs closed
in for an attack. They pushed for
ward, shoulder to shoulder, grappled
with the offender, and forced him to
the floor where he squirmed, wriggled
and exhausted valuable breath in the
invention of curious phrases.
Quit ych foolin' and shut that VIM
dow bawled a voice from one of the
rear seats.
Want to freeze US out?" demanded
another.
You fellows must think we've been
summering on the North Pole said a
third.
Cheese There comes the sergeant"
warned a distant voice.
The battle came to an end as tall
form loomed up through the smoke.
The tall soldier had chevrons on his
sleeves and he closed the disputed win
dow with an air of authority.
The five soldiers did not look upon
this act with the spirit of resignation
and obedience that privates are sup
posed to exhibit in the presence of
superior officer.
AS they had been mustered out they
considered themselves no longer under
the tyranny of a man whose only claim
to distinction was the possession of
three white stripes.
What did yeh shut that window
:or?' demanded one of the belliSerents.
ITO keep the wind out" answered the
sergeant. calmly.
Its none of your business, Dunk"
growled another member of the quin-
tette.
Yes it is, old man." was the smil-
ing retort.
No it isn't" Knocked IA third.
We'll, what are you going to do
about it," inquired the tall soldier,
with provoking infection of The voice.
We'll show YOU" said one OF the
men. i
Show me WHAT" continued the SER
geant, in the same eXasperating man
ner.
''Show you that you're not bossng
this train" said "A short soldier as he |
took hold of the window catch.
Don't raise it, Billy" warned the
sergeant.
Billy made no reply, but tugged at |
the window.
Because IL you do" said the SER
seant, "l'll toss YOU through It,"
The short soldier wheeled around in |
stantly, and started to peel his blouse. |
His tanned face was russet with rage. |
THAT kind of talk means fight" he
said. speaking quietly with an effort, |
land you ought to know by this time |
that fellow don't have to hunt very
far for trouble in this crowd"
; II Just as soon fight, Billy, If that's
all you want. But what's the use?"
WELL why don't you mind your own
business then2'
Ears I'm concerned personally" ex-
planned the tall soldier, I'D Just as
soon you'd open all the windows and
doors. so you needn't get rambunctious.
] shut it on Carew's account-the cold |
air won't do him any good'
He nodded toward thin, hollow
faced soldier, sleeping in nearby seat.
his head pillowed on a rolled blanket.
II forgot all about the Kid" said
Billy. swearing apologetically, his face
lighting up with good nature. Wen
call 1t off this time, Dunk"
Just as you say, Billy" laughed the
sergeant. He returned to his seat,
lighted his pipe and leaned back with
a grunt of satisfaction. Billy came
down the aisle and took a seat beside
his late antagonist.
What do suppose Is the matter with
him, anyway" he asked, jerking his