Free Showdown at Dead End Canyon by Robert Vaughan Page B

picking up unfortunate souls who may be wandering around in the desert. But to put them in the car with us is unconscionable.”
    Hawke glanced over toward Pamela to see if she heard, but she had taken her seat and was looking through the window. It was getting dark outside, and because it was well-lighted inside the car, Hawke could see her reflection in the window. Her face expressed no reaction to the comment.
    Shortly after the train got underway, the conductor came into the car, accompanied by two dining car stewards. Each of the stewards carried a silver-covered serving dish. A table was set up between them and the meal served.
    “Oh heavens,” one of the women in the car said. “Now they are going to eat here. Well, I say, this is just too much.”
    “Indeed it is,” the older of the two men said. “And I shall certainly complain to the railroad, you can rest assured of that.”
    “Anything else I can do for you, madam?” the conductor asked as, with a flourish, the two stewards unfolded white napkins and gave them to Pamela and Hawke.
    “Yes,” Pamela said. “Our fellow passengers seem to resent our presence. Perhaps you could find other accommodations.”
    “Well now, that’s decent of you, madam,” the older of the two men said. “I have nothing against you personally, you understand. I have nothing but compassion for those who are down on their luck. But I’m sure you can see our position.”
    “Other accommodations?” the conductor asked.
    “For them,” Pamela said as she picked up a fresh asparagus spear and took a bite.
    “Yes, ma’am,” the conductor replied. Looking toward the other passengers, he held up his hand. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask all of you to leave this car,” he said.
    “What?” the older man replied in loud disbelief. “Do you know who I am? I am Addison Ford, Administrative Assistant to Secretary of Interior Columbus Delano! And I am undertaking the journey on official cabinet business. You might even say that I represent the President of the United States! How dare you ask us to leave!”
    “Yes, Mr. Ford, I know who you are. But don’t worry, I’m sure I can find accommodations on one of the other parlor cars that are just as nice as these.”
    “See here, I will not be put out of this car. I paid good money for my passage.”
    “Indeed you did, sir,” the conductor replied. “But it has come to my attention that you would prefer not to share this car with Miss Dorchester and her guest. Therefore I am sure you will be more comfortable in one of the other cars. Come along, please.”
    “Well, I never!” one of the women said. “Addison, do something.”
    “What would you have me do, my dear? Wrestle them off the car?” Addison replied.
    Grumbling and complaining, the four passengers left the car, glaring at Hawke and Pamela as they passed the table where the two were eating. Neither Hawke nor Pamela glanced up at them.
    “You seem to have some influence with the conductor,” Hawke said after everyone was gone.
    “I think the conductor feels beholden to me because my father owns some stock in the railroad,” Pamela replied as she carved into her piece of ham. “Is the food satisfactory?”
    Hawke smiled. “I’m sure if it wasn’t, you would find some way to make it right. It’s quite good, thank you.”
     
    When Addison Ford and his party came into the second parlor car, they were greeted by Bailey McPherson.
    “Addison,” she said with a smile. “How nice to have you join us.”
    “It wasn’t by choice, Miss McPherson.”
    “Oh?”
    Addison stammered. “I didn’t mean it that way,” he said. “What I meant was, the conductor threw us out of our car in favor of the two people that we just picked up when the train stopped.”
    “And two more unkempt and disagreeable people you’ve never seen,” Mary Ford said. “They are filthy, and dressed in rags.”
    “And with the most boorish manners,” Lucy White said. “Why,