The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1923-11-17
Bed Time Stories OF,
a Pullman Smoker
THE PEDAGOGUE
(Lincoln Service)

1t was clear night, with mellow
moonlight streaming in the car, and
the smoking compartment was we'll
filled with travellers, many of whom
before retiring, were awaiting their
first view of the famous Horseshoe
Curve of western Pennsylvania. The
announcement of the porter that "The
Horseshoe's three minutes west, gen.
tlemen," was signal for an exodus
OF smokers to the car platform, where
they could partake of the panoramic
treat for which they had denied them
selves an earlier retiring hour.
"Seen the curve, sir?" inquired the
efficient porter, as continued to puff
away on my pipe, all unmindful of
the Horseshoe and it's incidental
scenic effects.
MANY times-and 1 suppose you
zee it every day, don't you?" I asked,
as l watched the porter's face break
into half smile.
"I've seen it every other day for
the past two weeks, but today's my
last trip this way until next year, I
guess" he replied.
Flows that? Are you quitting 2"
"No, not until the end of October"
he answered. give got a two-weeks'
run out Of Pittsburgh, down the Ohio
River; then, back home to the kids.
been a great season, too," he ex-
planned enthusiastically, before I had
time to question him further. (For
l had become strangely interested in
the clean-cut fellow, of splendid poise
and refined personality.
UVo, COO Two boo,, ~ +L;. ,,,.-. ~ i.
entire season. Had run from New
York to Canada for whole month.
Then, from New York to Washing
ton. Next, 1 was a chair-car man
through eastern Pennsylvania; and
after this next run down the Ohio
River, I shall have covered the prin-
cipal cities in the East. I was glad
to have the opportunity, because the
kids don't know whole lot about
the geography and many other things
up this way, and it's going to be lot
of fun to be able to tell them of my
personal observations all through the
East. Then, too, I've made quite a
few notes about the kind of work the
colored people are doing up North,
and the fine wages they're getting.
To tell the truth, I wouldn't 60 back
home again if it were not for the
kids. I owe them something, and
guess I'm duty bound to go back to
them," he concluded, as the half
smile gave way to momentary ex-
preston of sadness.
when you say you're going back
home, what do you mean," l asked,
pointedly.
"Florida," he answered in clear
tone. "And it's going to be a pretty
full year for the kids and me. We
work hard right through to the first
of May; and this years going to be
hummer because I've got so many
new things to tell them about.
Thought I'd have an assistant this
year, but from all I hear from home,
l guess won't need one"
Assistant" I fired at him in as
constituent. "How many children
have you? Isn't your wife all the
assistant you need?"
"Wife" he suffered in surprise.
"I'm not married. Pm a school teach
err in one of the county districts of
Florida. Had forty-fve kids last
year, but I guess there'll be fewer this
year. Have some great. geography
to teach them this year and they're
just bubbling over with interest about
the north. I'll be able to"
Just then the platform door slam'd
indicating the return of the travellers
from the car platform, and before the
first gentleman could push bell or
say a word our porter-pedagogue had
caught glimpse of his face, and as
he sprang to his feet he said: eyes,
sir; number nine is all ready, sir"
And 1 climbed into upper 13 with
the same feeling l have when I've
found a four-leaf clover or a horse