34 TALES AND TRAITS OF SPORTING LIFE. 



THE FARMER'S STORY. 



'■^ Second Class to Winchester !" 

 ^^ Ten- and-threepence — there you have it ! " 

 And I said ^^ Thank you !" for the ticket^ and the ahle- 

 handed clerk said nothing- for the money. In most com- 

 mercial transactions the civilities g*enerally come the 

 other way ; hut railways are either exceptions to every- 

 thing', or have started a new code of etiquette. I am 

 inclined to lean to the latter opinion. It is a go-ahead no- 

 time-for-nonsense ag-e we live in. 



I think it rig-ht to say I usually travel second class. 

 I prefer it — that is, on the same terms with the g-entlemaii 

 who can always see and enjoy the play better from the 

 forty-sixth row of the pit than he could from a front seat 

 in the dress-circle ; or, the other kind-hearted man who 

 likes nothing- so well as a mutton-chop dinner, thoug-h he 

 could perhaps manage a hasin of turtle, and the best side 

 of a turbot, by way of a preface, if — they were not on the 

 extras. 



I am one of these — and so, with a stout heart and a 

 small bag, I fight my way for a no-cushioned carriage. 

 And yet, who says you don't meet with civility at a rail- 

 wa,y? Why, here is a zealous porter, finding me a 

 window-seat at the remote end of a box, warranted free 

 from draught, and from all "occasion" to change, and 

 with a most commodious recess for my luggage safe under 

 me. Mark how carefully John adjusts it ! and with what 



