The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1913-03-28
CHAPTER II. (contlnued.l


and began TO transfer his burdens 10
the seat. But he did nothing TO the
satisfaction OF the Englishman. Every
thing must be placed otherwise; the
catch-all here, the portmanteau there,
the Gladstone there, the golfsticks
there, the greatcoat there, the rain
coat there. The porter was pulling
like donkey-engine, and mutiny was
growing in his heart. His lest COM
mission was the hanging up OF the
bowler hat.
He stood on the arm of the seat 10
reach the high hook. From here he
paused TO glare down with an attempt
at irony.
us they anything else?'
mo. You may get down"
The magnificent patronage OF this
wilted the porter completely. lie re-
turned TO the lower level, and shut
fed along the aisle In a trance. lie
was quickly recalled by a sharp:
"Pawtah!"
"Yassah!"
What time does this bally train
start?"
"Ten-thutty, sab"
But it's only ten now"
"Yassah. It'll be ten-thutty a lit
tie later"
do you mean TO tell me that I've
got to sit hyah for half an Lour-just
waitin'?"
The porter essayed another bit OF
irony:
Well" he drawled, II might tell
the conducta you're ready. And meb-
be he'd start the train. Bat the time
table says ten-thutty."
He watched the effect OF his satire.
but It fell back unheeded from the
granite dome OF the Englishman,
whose only comment was:
"Oh, never mind. I'll wait"
The porter cast his eyes up In de-
spair, and turned away. once more to
be recalled.
"Oh, pawtah!"
"Yassah!"
IL think Wen put on my slippahs."
"Will we?"
You might hand me that large bag.
No, stupid the othah one. You might
open IT, No, it's in the othah one. Ah,
that's It. You may set 1t down"
Mr.. Wedgewood brought forth a
soft cap and pair OF red slippers.
The porter made another effort to
escape, his thoughts as black as his
face. Again the relentless recall:
"Oh. pawtah, / think Wen unbutton
my boots"
He was too weak TO murmur Vas
sab" He simply fell on one knee
and got 10 work.
There was a witness to his helpless
rage-a newcomer, the American
counterpart OF the Englishman in all
that makes travel difficult for the fell
low travellers. Ira Lathrop was zeal
Gus 10 resent anything short of per
fection, quick and loud of complaint,
apparently impossible 10 please.
In everything else he was the op-
posite OF the Englishman. lie was
burly. middle-aged. rough, careless in
attire. careless Of speech-as uncouth
and savaA as one can we'll be who Is
plainly a man OF means.
II was not enough that a freeborn
Afro oAmerican should be caught kneel-
ing to an Englishman. But when he
had escaped this penance. and ad.
vanced Hospitality 10 the newcomer,
he must be greeted with a snarl
Say. are you the porter OF this car.
or that mans nurse?"
Nhafsc
ba. please?'
The answer was the ticket.
"Numba sem. He7h she Is, boss
Right next 10 a lot OF women. III
bet. Couldn't you put me in the mems
end OF the carr"
Not ve'y well, sub. y reckon the
cab is done sold out
with a growl Of rage, Ira Lathrop
slammed INTO the seat his entse hand
baggage. one ancient and rusty valise.
The porter gazed upon him with in
creased depression. The passenger
list had opened inauspiciously with
two OF the worst types OF travellers
the Anglo-Saxon race has developed.
But their anger was not their worst
trait in the porter's eyes. lie was. In
a limited way. an expert in human
character.
When you meet a stranger you re-
veal your own character in what you
ask about his. WiA some. the first
question is. who are his peopley"
With others. what has he achieved"
With others. How much Is be vorth7"
Each gauges his cordiality according
10 his estimate.
The porter was not curious on any