Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-17

THEY discussed the coming night, the next
] two days and all the expected glories Of
the trip, while the time of the trains departure
grew steadily nearer. Finally when they had
exhausted every subject of conversation for the
moment Vic jumped to his feet.
I'm going out and talk to SAM the porter
for a WHILE" he said. I'D like to ask him
some things about this train
Where is hep" said Helene
Hes out at the steps of the car" replied Vic.
Well, don't you let this train start without
you,' warned Helene. I'D go out too, only I'D
rather stay here"
Vic hurried down the aisle through the pas
sage at the end Of the car and so out TO the
platform. He found Sam at the foot Of the
steps, Spick-and-span in his white coat.
How soon do we start Sam?" inquired Vic
as he jumped down to the platform.
1T won't be long now said Sam, showing
white teeth in wide, good-natured grin. Jus
about two minutes. What's the mattah, you
gettin' INPATIENT"
Sure" said Vic. I'm anxious to be NOV
ing"
CAM turned his head to look at a tall heavy
- set man who was hurrying down the plat
FORM carrying a grip in each hand, and vic's
eyes followed the porter's. AS the man ap-
preached Vic saw that he had heavy, rather
overlooking face, which was dishgured by
scar running from one corner Of the mouth
almost to the ear. Although he was moving
rapidly along the platform. he turned now and
then to glance back. just as he reached them
Sam said inQuiringly, which car. sub? Car
17?"
The man stopped abruptly, dropped one Of
his grips and pulled his ticket from his pocket.
YES" he said in q hard voice. IT got
drawing room In IT."
Eyes, sub Right here, suh," said Sam,
-
for the two grips. "I1l bring your bags in'
But the man roughly jerked the porter's hand
away from the smaller Of the two bags.
Leave that alonel" he cried roughly. I'm
tend to that. You bring the other one" And
with final glance back down the platform,
the
HUH" snorted Sam, when the man was
out of earshot. He certainly Is touchy this
evenin'. I wasn't goin' to hurt his bag"
From far down the platform came the long
cry Of "An a-bo-o-o-oard" Sam gave a last
look toward the station, and then uttered q
chuckle.
Run, boy, run!" he said. Here comes a
fellow that's going to be left if he don't hurry"
nc had clambered up the steps of the car,
but now he leaned out to see tail, athletic
looking man sprinting down the platform. Just
as the train started to move he reached the
door of their car and Sam helped him In
We'll" exclaimed the man breathlessly let
ting his bag drop to the vestibule platform and
hopping his brow with handkerchief, that
was certainly close"
"In say it was" agreed Sam with a grin.
"Are you in car II, Suh?"
The man frowned. II don't know yet where
I'll be-" he admitted. 1T haven't even got a
ticket I'll have to see the Pullman conductor"
eyes sub You'll find him up ahead" said
Sam Then when the stranger with word
of thanks passed into the car, Sam turned to
Vic with a puzzled frown and scratched his
head.
Now that's a funny one!" he said. MAN
eettin' on a California train without any Pull
men reservation or even ticket He must have
made I'D his mind to come mighty sudden. But