"As a matter of fact," said the clergyman, "I'm not only here soon
enough, I'm an hour and a half too soon. The train I intended to catch
is the next one."
The guard put his whistle to his lips again.
"If you blow that thing," said the clergyman, "before I'm in the train,
I'll take an action against the company for assault and battery."
The guard hesitated. He did not see how such an action could be
sustained in court; but he felt the necessity of thinking over his
position carefully before running any risks. The law, especially in
Ireland, is a curious thing, and no wise man entangles himself with it
if he can help it. Railway guards are all wise men, otherwise they
would not have risen to their high positions.
"Now that I am here," said the clergyman, "I may as well go by this
train. Excuse me one moment; I want to get a few newspapers."
This was gross impertinence, and the guard was in no mood to stand it.
He blew his whistle. The engine shrieked excitedly, and the train
started with a violent jerk.
The clergyman seized a handful of newspapers from the bookstall.
Clinging to them and his bag he ran across the platform.
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