Durango semi-weekly herald., 1905-03-16

over the situation. he Il Just ABOUT
decided TO try some of the little end
doors of tne cars when the passenger
engine bell and bunch OF lanterns
began to bob down the track from the
direction OF the station. Quick SAID
the cornet player climb into this coal
car 1t was plainly coming up Il
storm, the weather had been threat
enins all day, and | said someining
about this in connection with the
open car ride, but the musician swung
up the side OF the car and followed
him.
Remember how | was dressed and
then picture me in that car. There
was a foot OF coal dust in the bottom
and enough OF crust on the sides to
keep the average house warm for a
winter. You fool said the musician
as | remained standing in the center
OF the car sit down here at one side
and take on your hat They'll set
YOU II you. don't | obeyed sat me
with my pearl gray trousers in the
dirt and my back rubbing the cush-
ions of il on the woodwork sat
there all crunched up. wondering what
I'd look like in the morning. neither
OF us speaking while the train crawled
out onto the main track and got under
way. Then IT began to rain. Rain
I'd better nave said 1t began to cloud.
burst. tor OF all the heavy rains
ever knew by tale or history, that was
the heaviest since Noah's time. The
wind yowled like a skyscraper full OF
hungry toms, and gathered whatever
loose rain was obtainable to hurl in
that car with yell. We sat still
though. until the coal dust grew so
mushy that it was no longer possible
and then we got up and commenced
TO walk around the swaying car.
None OF the crew'll ever poke their
heads out of the caboose in tdls
storm, said my shiyering friend, so
we're pretty safe Out in an open
coal car in a deiuge didn't look very
safe to me. but / kept my mouth shut.
I'd have drowned If I'd opened it. and,
besides, Columbus was at the end OF
the run anyhow
Il was still trying to make myself
believe was nappy in the thought OF
reaching Columbus, no matter what
happened on the way. when there
came a hail al us through the storm.
There was stout brakey standing
on the top of the freight just behind
us. ais siicker buttoned up to his ears.
and cleaning like a silver cloak in
the light OF his lantern. Well, you
hoboes've got lot OF nerve. Come
on: climb out OF that and take u drop.
The musician looked up at him. IT
come down and make us The brake
man swung mis- lantern so that its
RAYS fell full on us and then began
10 laugn. was standing with my
hands in my pockets, three buttons OF
my frock fastened. the soft remains
of my silk hat floating down around
my ears, and guess looked funny
lie hadn't noticed me particular he
fore and therefore | suppose | was
what made him laugh. He stood
holding his sides until he got tired,
tne musician meanwhile making the
night lurid with his observations. and
then retreated toward the caboose.
In a few MINUTES he came along with
another brakeman and the conductor
and | made the night holiday for
them until the train began to slack
up at station, when they dropped
on, but left us undisturbed. was
at first inclined to leave the train
when II stopped, but on second
thought decided Id be no worse on to
continue the trip, and stuck. The mu-
stefan vamoosed, however, and was
left alone in all my faded glory TO
complete the journey.
'For seven hours 1t didn't stop
raining for minute. and | walked
every foot of that 100 miles to Colum-
bus. Up and down that open car /
logged. the coal dust slush reaching
nearly to my knees. my hat limp
wreck, and my clothes actually stick.
ing as though they'd been glued to
my body. What thought about the
theatrical business and the resolutions