Midnight Express from a depot so grand had just started on its way.

voiceCollected from: Mrs. Gertrude Johnson Collected by: Carolyn Wood December 1963 Reel 436, Item 8 Midnight Express Midnight Express from a depot so grand had just started on its way. Most of the passengers who were on board seemed to be happy and gay. A little boy sat in a seat by himself reading a letter he had. It was plain to be seen by the tears in his eyes the contents or it made him sad. A stern old conductor then started to take the tickets of everyone there. When he finally reached the side of the boy, he crossly demanded his pay. "I haven't the ticket," the boy then replied, "But I'll pay you someday." I must put you off at the next station, but stopped when he Heard the boy say, "Please Mr. Conductor don't put me off the train for the best friend I have in the world, Sir, is waiting for me in pain. She is expected to die any moment, and may not live through the day, I want to bid mother good-bye before God takes her away." Mother was ill before I left my home and needed a doctor's care. I came to the city employment to seek Out could not find any work there. This morning a. letter from sister arrived. Come home mother is dying it said; That's the reason I'm anxious to ride but haven't the money to pay. A little girl sitting close by exclaimed, "if you put him off the train, it is a shame." then taking his had and a collection she made and soon Paid his fare on the train. "I'm obliged to you miss, for your kindness to me. You're welcome, she said, "never fear." Each time the conductor would pass through the train these words would ring in his ears. Please Mr. Conductor don't put me off the train, for the best friend in the world sir, is waiting for me in pain. She is expected any moment to die and may not live through the day. I want to bid mother good-bye sir, before God takes her away.Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation