The Argosy, April 1916 — page 197: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

RABBITS. I presume the car naturally seemed un- usually cold to me. I was sure the rabbits would be well off, so I put them to sleep in the hammock, crawled into the lower berth and was soon dreaming of my great day’s “rest.”’ I don’t know just what time of the night it was when I awoke, conscious of a pecu- liar smell. At first I thought I was just recalling the experience of cleaning those rabbits. Suddenly the awful realization dawned—I had not ‘‘kept ’em cold!” I felt of the package. It was moist and soggy. Shades of Caesar, what would I do? I thought of the ice-cooler, but dared not be so inconsiderate. There was only one hope. With much labor and many pains in the back, I opened one of the double windows, tied the package on the sill, and, exhausted, fell asleep. For the rest of the night I hunted rabbits in Greenland. When I awoke I could not discover which was more frozen—the rabbits or my feet! At least, the rabbits were cold again, and the day was saved! In Chicago I made the portage safely from one station to the other with my blood-stained bundle under my coat. Our train was late and the New York train had just left. Two hours to wait. I could not take another chance on those rabbits get- ting warm again, so walked the streets. On the New York train, I felt more com- fortable. The dining-car steward agreed to put the rabbits on ice, and I was glad to pay fifty cents for the privilege of not wor- rying. But alas, some time that evening in Ohio, I suddenly awakened to the fact that my car and the diner were parting com- any. Unmindful of everything but the rabbits, I dashed madly after the car, secured the bundle with some difficulty and caught my own train again just in time. _ When I settled again in my seat, quite out of breath, I was really worried. After all my trouble, what should I do next? Clearly, there remained but one solution— another night in the sleeper, by the open window! At least I would sleep with my clothes on. I tried it, but there was little slumber. As I sank into oblivion I was faintly con- scious of suppressed mutterings from vari- ous parts of the car, about some “fool who wanted his window open a night like this!” In the morning, when I felt for the rab- 187 bits, I was horror-struck. The package was gone. I don’t know whether I was glad or sorry. I concluded some one had stolen the bundle from outside. It was therefore with mingled feelings that I heard the porter’s gentle explanation that so many people had complained of the cold air, he had been obliged to shut the window in the night. And he had “put the bundle under the seat to dry, as it was all frozen and covered with snow!” One look was enough—the package lay against the steam pipes, soft and red! I thanked the porter for his kind thoughtful- ness, and he smiled serenely, as though he confidently expected an extra tip. I don’t know what I would have done, but at the psychological moment “First call for breakfast”? was announced, and I had another happy thought. One more ice-box would save the situation. This steward was as willing to co-operate as the other had been—at the same price, of course. A few hours later I had the satis- faction of looking at those precious rabbits and seeing them getting cold again. The rest of the trip was uneventful. I cannot describe the glow of happiness which stole over me when I realized that I was almost home, and the rabbits were safe and “cold.” . For the first time I realized their cost: Shells for Hunting. 0. oe ccsnss ces cnecss 65 Celebration candy for Bill’s kids.............. 1.50 Having packace fixed <n... ic. .10 MISE. OL 1CO-BONM UY GINOP.<.csccesecssecconcssceasepss 50 Use of -ice-box in diner No. 2..............-00--. 50 "LOtal GS pense. 45.5... cocina $3.25 I did not care. Three twenty-five was rather expensive for the four rabbits, but Bill had kept five and.I had enjoyed rest- ing my “tired body” for twenty miles and more. ) My good wife met me at the door with her usual cheery smile of welcome. She said I looked tired, but I assured her she was absolutely mistaken, and that I had a great surprise for her. She told me she was so glad for she had one for me, too. I knew it was a new necktie, for she al- ways picks out such pretty ones. But she said “No, Dear, I wanted to surprise you with something entirely different this time, and I want you to see my surprise first.” I followed her to the fire-escape window with eager anticipation. There hung a beau- tiful pair of Washington Market rabbits! cComicloool< C@