Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1920-10-08

tered, and obeyed instantly. Mr.. Web
ster handed him MISUNDERSTANDING
suitcase and stepped aboard in state,
only to be informed that there wasn't
vacant first-class berth on the train.
"Yes, know I'm dirty" the late ar
rival announced cheerfully, "but still,
as Bobby Burns once remarked, a
mans man for a that'-and I'm not
unsanitary."
I'm very sorry" the conductor re-
piled perfunctorily and eIdeavored to
pass on, but Webster secured firm
grip on his lapel and frustrated the es-
cape.
you're not sorry" the ragged wan
derer declared mot one little bit.
You're only apprehensive. However,
you needn't be. There is no wild life
on me, brother, assure YOU"
But tell you, TIE train Is full up.
You'll have to roost in the day coach
or the tourist. I'm very sorry---
Nevertheless, despite your deep grief
something tells me you're spoofing, so
while must, of necessity, accept your
suggestion. said acceptance will be but
temporary. In about two hours, young
fellow, you're going to make the alarm
Ing discovery that You have bats In
your belfry." And with whiskery grin
which, under the circumstances, was
charming In It's absolute freedom from
malice, Mr.. Webster departed for tie
day coach.
Two hours later the conductor found
him in the aforementioned day coach,
engaged in u mild game of poker with
a mule-skinner, Chinaman, an aged
prospector, and a half-breed Indian,
and waited until Mr.. Webster, on
bob.tailed flush, bluffed the Chinaman
out of dollar-and-a-half pot
Are you Mr.. John $. Webster?"
"Your assumption that l am that
person Is so eminently correct that 1t
would be waste of time for me to
dispute It," Webster replied qulzzical-
ly. However, just to prove that
you're not the only clairvoyant on this
train, I'm going TO tell you something
about yourself. In your pocket you
have telegram; it Is from Chicago
where your pay-check originates; 1t Is
short. sweet and comprehensive, con-
tanning an order which you are going
to obey. II reads somewhat as fol-
lows:
"'My friend, John s. Webster, wires
me from Blank that he boarded train
at Blank and was refused first-class
accommodation because he looked like
a hobo. Give him the best you have In
stock, II you have to throw somebody
Off the train to accommodate him.
Signed, Sweeney
do hit the target?"
The conductor nodded. you win,
Mr.. Webster" he admitted.
Occasionally 4 lose, old timer.
Well?"
mo offense, Mr.. Webster, no offense.
can let you have stateroom--"
THAT'S trading talk. I'll take It,"
The conductor gave him his receipt
and led him back to the stateroom in
the observation car. AT the door Web
ster handed him five-dollar bill. For
you, son." he said gently, "just to take
the sting out of what Tin about to tell
you. Now that | possess your receipt
and know that ten men and boy can
not take 1t away from me, I'm going to
tell you who Sweeney Is"
"Who is he?" the conductor queried.
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