An Old-Time Roadmaster.
John Riordan was an old and efficient roadmaster of the C.P.R. western lines, and he ever had an eye to the company’s interests. One day, a navvy was taken ill with cramps, and there being no medical man within hailing distance, and no proper remedies, John seized a sizzling hot mince pie and clapped it on the suffering man’s stomach. He quickly recovered, and when John reported the matter, he was quizzingly asked what he had done with the pie, and he naively said: “Shure, sor, I put it back on the shelf.”
John was a thoroughly loyal employee, and when there was a strike on, he wired his brother, then on strike at Deloraine, in an effort to bring him back to the ranks.
“Tim Riordan,
C.P.R., Deloraine,
You are now roadmaster for the Deloraine division.
(Sgd.) John Riordan.”
Quickly came back the answer:
“John Riordan,
C.P.R., Winnipeg,
You are a d—— liar. I am not.
Timothy Riordan.”