The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-18
A JOKE ON EckELs.
Woman Thought He Was Little Boy
 and Wanted to Share Berth.

From the New York Times.
 James II. Eckels, who died in Chicago recently, was always noted for his ex- tremely youthful appearance. This was accentuated by his modesty of demeanor to the point of self -effacement and his habit of wearing tho juanty style of clothes usually affected by boys of 19. Eekels was not all, was of slight build and clean-shayen. He weighed little more than 10o pounds, and even after he passed 40 might easily be mistaken for a lad of half his age.
 One of Eckels chums was Sam B. Ray mond former treasurer of cook county. who weighs over 300 and is bluff and hearty in every respect. When Raymond, who Is not fond of walking, gets into a iow-neclxed hack the body of the vehicle tips up one side at an angle of 45 degrees.
 A few years ago Ekels and Raymond had occasion to make trip to New York together They neglected the pre- caution of engaging berths In advance. and after they got on the train they dis covered that the only thing left was a section.
 That's all right. Jin,' said the ponder ons Raymond. you re so small you can crawl into the upper berth without any trouble"
 Eckels. if his physical appearance did
 
 of bank president. possessed a grav- fly of countehance that made his friend think he was in earnest when he said.
 Don't you think for q minute, Sam Raymond, because you are a human mon strosity you can pick on me. l don't in- slst on the lower berth myself, but mean to have my rights. We'll match for it, and if you lose you can crawl into that upper berth just as well as I can"
 Raymond protested that 1t wasn't a question of dignity, but of physical pos sibility but Eckels was adamant.
 'Ill probably win anyhow thought Raymond, who has always been lucky in poker and politics. and if I don't I'll talk him out of it before we turn in
 So they matched. Raymond lost. Eckels didn't even smile
 Now. look here, Jim." began Raymond, when the berths were made up and they were taking off their shoes. you know l cant get into that upper berth"
 ''I thought you were sport" respond ed Eekels, with fine scorn. You lost fair and square. You may want to welch, but you can't. The lower berth is mine, and if you seek to use force I shall appeal to the Pullman conductor, who was pres ent when you lost the toss"
 Eckels had been busily disrobing. and ended all argument by rolling into the lower berth immediately stimulating sleep TWO ladders were brought, and, after great exertons by the porter and the conductor. Raymond was pushed into the upper berth while Eckels chuckled glee- fully, but noiselessly
 Raymond couldn't sleep. He couldn't even turn over, and the berth seemed to be full of heavy wooden blankets.
 Abous midnight the train stopped at Kalamazoo. Eckels was sleeping peace fully. Raymond was still awake. A ma tronly woman hustled into the car Like Eckels and Raymond, she had neglected to engage q berth. The train was filled There wasn't even an upper berth left and the train had already pulled out of the station.
 The woman voiced her consternation and wakeful Raymond heard her He stuck his rotund and benevolent looking head between the curtains of the upper berth and beckoned her away from tue conductor.
 Allow me to help you out of your difficulty madam he said In a stage whisper. My little boy is asleep in the lower berth. Turn right in there. There's