Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1912 — Bret Harte and the Conductor. [ARTICLE]

Bret Harte and the Conductor.

The unexpected arrival cf the torpedo boats when we were planning a reception for them recalls Bret Harte’s encounter with the conductor. “What’s the matter with this train?” asked the lecturer, vexed with the speed they were making. “If you don’t like this train,” the conductor retorted, “you can get oil and walk.” , “By Jove!” said Harte, “I’d do it, but a reception committee is to meet me at my destination, and I don’t want to get in ahead of time.” —St. Louis Post-Dispatch.