The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-02-18

nothing could get us out that day. So I called the passengers together and made them a little talk.
 .,The wabash road,' I said, by way of advertisement, don't intend that it's pas sengers shall suffer any inconvenience, although this little-er mishap was caused by clements entirely out of It's control. The management has lately reballasted all of its tracks, adopted safety devices for stopping It's trains. and is now oper- ating the most comfortable cars west Of the Mississippi river. So 1 am author ized to say you will be well fed, warmed and made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Should l neg Iect any ones particular wants, why, just let me know-the road wishes to please
 ''rhey applauded me and l ploughed through the snow to town, where l made arrangements for three sleds to haul the passengers to the tavern for meals. Made a deal with the best place in town. and told the landlord to give my people everything they wanted; that had the spot cash to pay
 n or the first two meals the passengers enjoyed the fun of the sleigh Tide to town; then they kicked, saying 1t was too cold So 1 had to have the meals brought to the train and arrange for serving them in the buffet car
 "On the second day girl. out of some eastern college, wanted to know how the road expected people to live without something to read or amusements Of some sort There was no butcher along, so I bought out the news stands up in town. and also made deal with a couple of coon mandolin players to come down and liven up things. All this cost money, but knew 1t was the proper thing under the circumstances.
 When we finally got out on the third day the passengers drew up a memorial expressing thanks to the road and a promise of future patronage for the gem erous and courteous manner in which they had been cared for during the days of their marooning. 1 put the document in my pocket, and carefully itemized the expense bill, both of which I handed to Superintendent Butler when we got back to Moberly.
 '"The superintendent read the memorial win a beautiful expression, and then opened my bill.
 Four dozen assorted pies,' he said, referring to the item for a snack between meals. Do you give 'em pies, JohnT
 Yes sir, l did
 That was nice in you he murmured. 'Nigger orchestra, tWenty-fOur hours, $l0. Travellers enjoyed the music, eh, John?
 "You bet they did; said they couldnt t get along without it. Had a dance every night
 "Twelve packs playing cards, three boxes dominoes and six boxes checkers, S3 for the lot; just by way of innocent dl- version; no gambling, l guessT [" Not a man played for money, sir
 Sixteen pounds dime novels at 10 cents-Sl.60. Some literary folks along?
 "1 believe everybody but a Chinaman from St. Louis could read 1 told him. re went on down the list carefully ad- hitting the wisdom of every item of ex- pendture and congratulating me upon my exertion on behalf of the snow bound patrons Then he folded up the paper and ms face glowed good naturedly as he handed 1t back to me.
 This was very kind and generous in you, John,' he said and 1t pleases me nightly to see how much you are in- terested. Now some conductors would have let them poor devils starve to death before they'd moved a hand, while you dived right into your pockets and stood