Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

tricks of these tramps. 1t is getting to be an
old dodge with them'
NO one made comment; but the looks Of all
showed they had failed to grasp his full mean
ing. He explained:
When a tramp is plodding along the rail-
road track, it often occurs to him that he
mas only to place an obstruction across the
rails and then warn the train that is due,
and he will be likely to make a good thing
OF it. The grateful passengers are apt to take
up collection for him, and the deeply inn
pressed officials are likely to give him the best
JOB on the road, if it wasn't that the tramp is
constltutlonaly opposed to work"
ALI who were listening to the voube young
man now caught the drift Of his meaning Jar
Wis Brlnton was among his hearers, and his
breast heaved with indignation, but he waited
@ iew minutes before speaking.
do you mean to say that the young fellow
who gave notice to the engineer, thereby gave
notice of danger created by himself? asked
one of the by-standers.
There isn't particle of doubt about it,
replied, Godfrey. Dunbar, tapping the ground
with the cigarette between his teeth, while
the smoke issued from his mouth and nos
trils.
ut is impossible" said the speaker
Godfrey fixed his eagle glance upon him:
u presume you are not a railroad mani"
II am not"
Then of course it is impossible to you"
1T is not necessary to be a railroad man
to have common sense, though it is plain that
an idiot can be railroad man, OF at least lay
claim to be SUCH"
Young Dunbar was not quick enough to
catch all of this insinuation, it is not likely
that he would have volunteered any more in
formation. Glancing sideways at Jarvis, he
added, with a tantalizing smirk:
"a couple of hours with saw and AK would
do the business; then the ambitious youth had
only to dance about on the track and swing
his hat, OF course, he feels sure Of hand
some offer from the superintendent Maybe
he will get it, and maybe again he won't; IT
l could have my way would put him in State
prison, where he belongs"
A murmur of indignant protest followed this
remark and Godfrey, enjoying the excitement
he had caused, took out another cigarette and
Brinton stepped forward.
"You have no right to say anything Of the
kind against me. 1t is the meanest slur that
was ever cast upon anyone"
The freshly-lighted cigarette was now be-
tween his teeth and the young man resumed
his grand manner.
ut is matter of no earthly account to me
what you think OF my remarks II you see
fit to take them to yourself, sir, have no
objection at all"
Gas you have given these people and my
self your opinion of me, | viii let you have
mine of you"
Don't trouble yourself, sir"
1T won't trouble me half as much as it
will you"
The same instantJarvis caught with his
left hand the collar Of Godfrey Dunbar's over
coat where it was buttoned under his chin.
Quickly running his fingers down his neck be-
hind his tie, so as to make his grip firm, he
proceeded to cuff the amazed youth. He
brought the fiat of his hand against the cheek
and ear with such vigor that all heard the re-
sounding slap above the roar of the torrent
Then he cuffed him second and third time
with the same emphasis
AT the third blow, the small, silk travelling
cap of Godfrey fell to the ground, and he be
said nothing but painted and twisted about
and struck out blindly with his gloved hands
The spectators relished it exceedingly. Su
perintendent Dunbar was standing only few
feet away, talking with Mr.. Thatcher, the
engineer.
the whole proceeding; but, rather curiously
the superintendent kept his back turned to
ward the parties and did not even look around
"You dare to call me a tramp and aecus.
me of injuring the trestle-work!" exclaimed
/ Jarvis, his blood boiling. II am not through
with you yet"
: By this time the victim began to beliey,
| Jarvis meant to slay him, and the crowd wer
u mean enough to stand by and not interfere
why don't you part us?" he demanded
: wildly. Don't you see we are killing eacl
y other? Take him awayl The young tiger
wrenched himself loose. Whirling about 4
run down the embankment, he was lust i
e time to receive a kick from Jarvis strong RICH
=, foot, which sent him sprawlng to the bot
. tom.
!, Still Superintendent Dunbar did not tur
u around.
Jarvis Brinton stood painting, his eyes aflam
s with anger, glaring at the figure scrambIin
{ to its feet in the gloom, and he seemed med
D tating a rush upon him, when one of the me