The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1905-05-05
Brother Sheridan's Warm Finish.

1t was from the rear car of one of the
afternoon trains that crawled over the
road on the Delaware Division" that
the passengers witnessed the wonderful
exhibition of Brother Sheridan's gait.
The car was filled with clergymen re-
turning from a Methodist Conference
up the State and as the train neared
the village at which the junction of the
Delaware Division with another road
was made, speculation was rife as to the
probability of Brother Sheridan making
the very close connection. Brother
Sheridan, it seemed, had taken route, by
which lie had saved the large sum of
twenty cents on his railroad fare.
His train arrived at its station half
mile up the track simultaneously with
the arrival of the train that bore the
body of the Methodist Conference. The
burning questions of the moments among
TIE lawn tied brethren were. What are
Brother Sheridan's abilities as a sprin-
ter?' and Will the conductor hold the
train?" dark object that had appear
ed upon the horizon was believed to be
Brother Sheridan getting up steam.
The conductor, grim soul of much
firmncsS of character, when approached
by the Conference, said he would hold the
train n minute or so, but no longer.
Great was the excitement on the rear
platform when it could be seen that the
dark object was in truth Brother Sheri-
dan coming at gallop. His frock coat
unbuttoued, and, as the brother from
Princess Anne observed, "Youc could play
checkers on the tail of it,
His high silk hat was on the back of
his head. In one hand he carried his
suitcase, and with the other arm he
brandished his umbrella at the train. He
w IS over six feet tall and long legged.
He leaped over the ties like jack,rabbit,
often clearing two or three at jump.
He is all right" said the conductor,
keep up that gait" The brethren on the
platform waved their hats and shouted
encouragingly, but Brother Sheridan be-
ga to lag He dropped from a gallop
into a trot. The conductor gazed at his
watch, and the Conference held its breath
lest he give the signal to start out.
'Lope, brother, lope," shouted the
parson from Princess Anne, making a
trumpet of his hands.
Come on come on! come on. cried the
excited Conference in chorus. Speed up
there. Take to the whip, brother"
Again Brother Sheridan gait changed.
He has bent almost double, and no
longer waved his umbrella
He's pacing" exclaimed little man
with red beard.
'His toe weights are not right for that
gait. He interferes. He ought to wear
boots" criticised a brother in steel
trimmed glasses.
Stir him up" commanded the con-
ductor. only few seconds left"
"Hie! HE. come on Brother Sheridan.
Just squirt now and you're in. Keep it
up. shouted the Conference wildly as it
jumped up and down, its sporting blood
aroused.
Brother Sheridan could hear the cries
Of encouragement, and he gathered him
self for supreme effort. He forced him.
self to the highest speed, and the con-
ference shrieked with delight. But the
heartbreaking pace was too much for
him. He dropped into a trot-then
paced again. The conductor lifted his
arm to give the engineer his signal. The
voice of the brother from Princess Anne
rose to wall as he cried: Hes single
footing He won't make it.
But he did make it. With the last
feeble remnant of his strength, Brother
Sheridan gripped the iron rail and eager
hands dragged him on the platform just
as the train began to move. He dropped
into the nearest seat, his wilted shirt
bosom heaving as he struggled for
breath. Congratulations poured upon
him from every side for his magnificent
exhibition of speed and endurance.
You ran like Kentucky thorough
Bred said one.
Why don't you train for the track"
asked another
Brothers. I'm wind broken gasped
the painting parson as soon as he could
sneak "Im damaped for life Fly
change.