The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-08-10
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A RIDE IN AN ICE BOX

Ben Clayton well knew that bis
fathers instruction was that b.
should not leave the car until ht
reached Memphis; and yet at Jack
sin, few hours from New Orleans
he was debating with himself the rea
son for his fathers command. Why
should he not do as the other passen.
gers? Several of them were then walk
Ing to and fro on the station platform
After few moments of hesitation
he laid his sovercoat over the back of
the seat, and went to Join the others.
why are we stopping hereY Ben
heard a passenger inquire of the con-
ductor.
waiting for the Limited" the con-
ductor replied. "We'll be here twenty
minutes"
Twenty minutesT' thought Ben.
"I'll walk to the opposite side Of the
station, and see the city,"
As he reached the edge of the walk
he heard the music Of a band and he
asked bystander why it was playing.
Dog and pony show: you can see
II yonder," the man answered.
Now, II there was anything Ben de-
lighted to see 1t was a circus parade,
and dog and pony show was the next
best thing He thought he would have
sufficient time in which to run to the
end Of the block, see the parade, and
return to the station before the train
left.
When he reached the corner. how
ever, he had block further to go
and presently he came In sight of the
band wagon; then stood laughing and
shouting at the antics Of the dogs and
monkeys.
Suddenly he was aroused by the
shrill whistle of a locomotive. RecoI-
iecting where he was and what he was
doing he ran to the station; but reach
ed 1t just as the train, In which he
should have been a passenger, disap-
peared In the distance.
rs that my tramp the excited how
cried. breathlessly, at the ticket Office
window.
Your train? Do you own a train?"
asheu the agent, loosely.
YES, sir-no. sir! mean I was
going on that train to Memphis
came from New Orleans ON 1t: went TO
see the parade, and now I'm left" Ben
managed to stammer
+, ITO be sure you're left; but don't
worry, there will be another train
along at midnight, and you can take
that. Your ticket will be good" the
agent explained.
His ticketl Where was his ticket,
Not In his pocket where he had placed
1t! Then, In twlnkling, the truth |
came; he had taken 1t from the pocket |
In his waistcoat and placed II In his
overcoat pocket, and the overcoat was
In the car.
The boy was dazed at the predica.
ment In which he was placed; two hum
dred miles from home, his suitcase.
overcoat and ticket racing north at the
rate Of forty miles an hour.
What confounded luck" he mut.
tered, almost on the verge of tears
'What'll father think of me? I'm a
SnuihP, thdl . WHAT am J.. |
In this mood he sat on a truck tn
hink out his troubles. The more he
considered his misfortune the more he
he was to continue his
Quincy; how he did not know. At
asst the Idea occurred that the agent
night assist him.
My coat and suitcase are In one OF
the cars on the train that just left"
he explained to the agent DO Won
know II l can get them?"
so that's the troubleT" asked the
agent, as he came from the office
Well, you need not fret; I'll telegraph
the conductor to take charge OF your
belongings and to leave them at the
icket office at Memphis. But, hold
'teady, how are you to travel from
lere to Memphis without ticketf
/ Il don't know, SIR" answered Ben.
Know any one in Jackson?"
"No, sir; butnI know a banana mes |
enger who'll be here this afternoon
oe Harris. do you know himY
Tall fellow with a crooked nose?" /
Eyes, sir, that's he" Ii
We'll, II you know him he'll put you
yer the road the banana train win be
ere at four thirty-fiye. Now you stay /,
ere, and don't you run after the show