"I wouldn't say anything to him about it. It will only worry him; and the conductor isn't to blame."
"Do you think it is right to put a lone woman out of the car because she lost her ticket?"
"The conductor didn't know you."
"Yes, he did know me. I rid over this road only a week ago, when I went down to St. Louis to see my nephew."
It was useless to argue the point with her. Perhaps, if she had made no fuss when she got into the car, the conductor might have entertained a different opinion of her. I wanted to obtain some information of her in regard to the Collingsby family; and I am willing to offer this as the reason for my chivalrous conduct.
"You know Mr. Collingsby, if he does not know you," I said, in order to introduce the subject.
"He's my son's pardner in business."
"Are you personally acquainted with him?"
"Well, I can't say I am much acquainted with him. His folks and ourn don't visit much, for, you see, the Collingsbys are rich and smart."
"He has a brother, I have heard."