FIFTY YEARS OF A SHOWMAN'S LIFE 



the yard long since, though by a different route 

 to that I had just traversed. Back I tramped, 

 and, about a hundred yards from the show yard, 

 I descried the trolley, piled up with so much 

 that was dear to me, at anchor outside a public - 

 house, wherein those in charge of it were solacing 

 themselves with beery libations as though they 

 had the whole year in which to regale themselves 

 previous to getting that with which they were 

 entrusted to its destination. On a neighbouring 

 hillock stood a superior official, apparently on the 

 watch to see how those engaged in the show 

 traffic were performing their duty. To him I 

 forthwith unburdened myself in no measured 

 terms upon the incompetency of railway companies 

 in general, and especially of the particular one 

 from whose neglect I was then suffering, con- 

 cluding with a request that he would forthwith 

 enter that hostelry and drag forth the miscreants, 

 who, if they remained there imbibing much longer, 

 would be quite incapable of escorting that price- 

 less cargo to where it would be of any use. He 

 listened to me with exemplary patience and in 

 a most sympathetic spirit, finishing up with 

 inquiring what Company the goods in question 

 were consigned to. I told him. " Ah," said he, 

 " I thought so. You should have sent them via 

 Midland. / am a Midland official." 



However, he was a good sort, inasmuch as 

 he did my bidding, and succeeded in inducing 

 a beery pair to emerge from their retirement and 

 make leisurely tracks for the show yard. I was 

 close at their heels, never once, you may be sure, 

 taking eyes off that collection of valuables, upon 



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