The Washington herald., 1914-02-26
THE wHITE-HAIRED CONDUCTOR.
ny EMoRY ]. HAYNEs.


finch gentleman He became the uni
form and made the railway livery re-
semble the dress OF an admiral. In
'ldeed the road was indebted to this
lgentleman for the superb appearance he
lent il. Doubtless the president, or the
Isuperintendcnt of traffic, or any of its
directors, would gladly possess so fine
a personal presence, il the man could
sell or rent it to them.
| ] thought of several great merchants
and bankers who, in contrast, were OF
most inferior appearance. Why is it!
The governor, the Senator, how often
these all really need to purchase or rent
a personal grace and dignity such as
sat SO becomingly on this conductor.
His handsome mien was, however,
beginning to show wear. The arms
dropped nervously and the shapely
hands wove cobweb hopes in his lap rs
he sat between stops. His eyes were
cast down, handsome blue eyes that
had doubtless looked on better days.
When he rose to do his duties at the
gates the strong. fine face was alert
and vigorous. as becoming an admiral.
But the moment the. train moved OH
there crept across his features cloud
of fatigue, yes, and of pathetic hope
lessness. 1t was evident that he was
fighting against fate. He had the grit,
this admiral, but it was as if there was
much smoke in the battle of life just
now, and he was peering through it.
He was not, however, TO be retired
with honor and pension of half pay,
for he was not a real admiral, that is,
not naval admiral.
He had been, as matter of fact,
already retired by business. just let
out, as failure, by some vast hope
and endeavor. He was over sixty and
penniless, after the fights, set off at the
last port, with empty pockets. Com
mercial life has a dreadful way of do
ing this, at times, with some men. And
very often they are the very best of
men, the most scrupulously honest and
self-sacrifcing of all their associates.
Frequently this conductor meets
former friends, on the train, men with
whom he used to sit on the board of
directors. men who owe him money,
men whom he has boosted. He does
not speak first. Generally there is no
speaking at all. but mere glances of
recognition. For a servant of the road
must not talk with its patrons, but mind
the gates
Then, too, what is there TO talk about
with the man who owes you? And it
is only occasionally that the admiral
confronts these gentlemen. for except
in deep SHOWS they roll downtown in
limousines. Limousines are not always
to be depended on, that is, not for al
ways. The admiral once had one. Ii
was sold. These other men may get
theirs sold in the next five years. He
hopes-no, he docs not hope so. Such
thoughts do not strengthen a man in
his place, and he needs all the strength
OF true manliness to bear up.
He meets younger men, very often.
who were once his employees. Such
contacts test him to the very soul. But
all these respect him. They knew his
genuineness in the old days. He is glad
that these are all younger men. There
is such hope for Young men, even II
they fail a few times.
The admiral had two sons. What ex-
pectations he had centcred in those
boys. Where are the boys? Do they
know where father is:' One is far
beyond responding, for God took him.
That is, | am sure, the sorrow that ap-
pears on his face. or it may be a !
greater sorrow. The other son. He
is yet IN the land of the living. AT
home, the few rooms they call home.
the admiral and his white-haired wife
talk much of that wanderer son.
But it is no use. Mary" he explains, |
as he buttons on his coat for the long
days work. "You may sit by the win
dow, good mate. and watch for the
boys return. But l am yet a man. |
will go earn your bread. and feed and
warm you. am strong. | ask no
help of any but OF heaven"
What superb thing il is, this
Strengthening up, like very youth, of
4 white-haired man, to try again. Again
the nervous force. that was well-nigh
'pent. responds to the call of the soul
md duty. The soul never growing old.
The majestic contempt for outrageous
fortune. The imperious disdain for So
:ial rank and credit.
Would have dared to openly. COM
passionate the admiral2 | might. in
Iced, pity the President, loaded with un-
Easy honors. But not this man: no,
ie would only accept pity from those
Who loved him fondly, say that loyal
wife. and the Father OF us all. And
having their loving pity. and having
lis own manliness, he is content. That
s his secret. and explains how he