The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-07-14

started, but | N 13N ~
m u s h W g IN 3
dropped it some nv IN "
where" ~
The young con-
ductor stood uncertainty for a mo-
ment, his hand on the tare-lever.
The woman was beautiful, well
dressed, and evidently, from her voice
and bearing, a gentlewoman. There
seemed only one thing to do.
Very we'll, madam" he was be-
ginning, when a stout, redfaced man
in the next seat burst into disagree
able laugh.
Same old graft, conductor" he said,
with a coarse wink, diving one hand
into his trousers-pocket; but they al
ways get away with it, the dears!'
The woman flushed scarlet, and
edged away from him, her face show
ing plainly the aversion and disgust
she felt at his words and action
viii you pay my fare for me, con-
ductor?" she asked.
Certainly, madam" replied the
young man courteously He ignored
both the nickel proffered by the red
faced man and the latters sneering re-
mark, drew five cents from his waist
coat-pocket, and transferred 1t to his
coat. Then he rang up the fare and
moved on.
What Is your name, please, conduc-
tori" said the woman, putting a de-
tanning hand on his arm.
1t was the young mans turn to flush
That isn't at all necessary, mad
am" he protested
Yes, it is, she insisted. please
tell me"
John Brewster"
Thank you"
He passed on, and a few blocks far
Their along tho woman left the car,
giving him pleasant nod and smile
as he helped her off the step.
The red-faced man presently got up,
and lounged toward the platform, CIV
ing the bellrope a jerk.
Here, my man" said he, holding out
a five-cent piece, take It, can bet
ter afford to lose it than you can.
Youll do well hereafter to remember
that a favorite trick of that sort Of
woman is to beat the road the con
ductor, or any one else she can stick
for the price Of her fare"
Brewster drew back, an angry flash
in his eyes
i don't want your money" he said
In low tone. But" he added, you
will do well to learn how to tell a lady
when you see one. If | hadn't been
wearing the company's uniform, I'd
have thrown you off the car when you
spoke to her as you did"
"Oh, you would, would you?" snarled
the other. We'll, We'll see just how
good your job is, Mr. John Brewster!
I'll have you know that no whipper-
snapper of a fresh conductor can in
suit me with impunity! You wait and
see!"
Brewster thought no more of the
threat and its maker until the next
morning, when a summons to the SUI
perintendent's office brought it forci
bly, to his mind
with n fanlino - ho
complied with the order, and present
ly found himself face to face with the
superintendent, who looked up from
the pile of letters he was sorting and
favored the young man with a curt
nod
You're John Brewster" he said; Il
received complaint against you-a
man has notified me that you we're in
solent to him yesterday-that you
threatened to throw him off the car.
What have you to say?'
i didn't exactly threaten him, sir"
he said sturdily, but | did tell him
that he deserved such treatment, and
If ! had been out of uniform | should
certainly have given it to him. Ite
insulted lady sir, and 1t would have
served him just right"
Then you admit the truth of his
story?"
If you put 1t that way, yes"
in that case, you will turn in your
badge and uniform" remarked the SUI
perintendent.
Very WELL sir" responded Brew
ster.
He had expected either a reprlmand
or dismissal; but at the same time he
felt that 1t was pretty hard to be so
turned off merely for act
ing the part of a gentleman and re-
senting the insolence Of the red-faced |
man. He turned toward the door.
"0ne moment, Mr. Brewster" inter
posed the superintendent There was !
a twinkle in his eye. Courtesy Is
such a rare plant that we must do all |
we can to foster its growth You will |
report here tomorrow morning There |
Is vacancy In this office and should
ike to have a talk with you about |
filing II.