APPROVED BY THE EDITOR
Wishing to get from Chicago to Memphis, a young newspaper man purchased a “mileage” book from a “ticket scalper”—or illegal dealer in unfinished mileage tickets. The book had been the property of a reporter for the Louisville Courier-Journal, and the description in the cover was alarmingly different from his own. The sharp-eyed conductor immediately noticed this.
“Are you on the Courier-Journal?” he asked suspiciously.
“Oh, yes. I’ve been a reporter there for several years.”
The conductor asked for some identification, which naturally the passenger was unable to give.
“I have it,” said the conductor, suddenly remembering. “It just happens that Henry Watterson, Editor of the Courier-Journal, is on the Pullman ahead. If you’re all right he ought to be able to identify you.”
At this the young man all but collapsed. However, there was nothing to it but to take a chance. When they found Henry Watterson the conductor handed out the mileage book, and, pointing to the young man, asked if he was a reporter on the Courier-Journal.
“Yes, indeed,” was the quick reply. “He is one of our best men. How are you, Robert?”
Breathing a prayer of thanks, the young man returned to his seat and resumed his journey without further trouble. Next morning, in the dining wagon, he saw his friend and timidly approached him.
“Colonel Watterson,” he said fervently, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what you did for me yesterday. I——”
“Tut, tut. Don’t mention it,” returned his benefactor. “You did every bit as much for me. I’m not Henry Watterson. I’m just travelling on his pass.”
Everybody’s Magazine (U.S.A.).