Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/96

98 the least perceptible smoke coming out of the baggage car. I then threw a shawl around me and went out. Even then, although some moments had elapsed since the alarm, there was but little fire; but no person seemed to be trying to put it out, or endeavoring to check it. I saw no one doing anything except the expressman, who was striving to save his own property, and he having succeeded, it amused me very much, though in trouble myself, to see him quietly take his seat on his chest; and thinking he had done sufficient, now his little property was saved, he would allow no one to come near him.

I then went into a room in the house and having sat down, tried to compose myself. I felt very badly, till I heard the conversation of those around me; many were in great distress, and were crying—they had lost their all. I then felt blessed that I had still a little something at home, and was going where I could make something too.

Others had important papers and other valuables with them, who felt very badly about their loss. I myself was not among the fortunate ones, as I had some things no money could pay me for.

On the next seat to me was a poor old woman, who had lost everything she had in the world. She had been to see some friends, and got from them yarn to knit stockings and socks for sale, to help her get over the winter. Her little bundle was burned up; and she was so much affected by the accident, that though my own losses did not force a tear from my eyes, I wept freely for her.

We soon got another locomotive and went on.