The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"THIS ONE WAS TOLD BY THE MINISTER OF THE CHURCH I ATTENDED AS A
CHILD: THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL ON A PASSENGER TRAIN. SHE WAS
PUT OFF THE TRAIN IN THE DARK, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE BECAUSE
SHE HAD NO TICKET. AFTER THE CONDUCTOR FORCED THE LITTLE GIRL TO
LEAVE THE TRAIN, HE PULLED THE CORD, SIGNALLING THE ENGINEER TO
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY. HOWEVER, THE TRAIN WOULDN'T MOVE. FINALLY,
THE CONDUCTOR SAID, 'I KNOW WHY THIS TRAIN WON'T MOVE. I'VE
FORCED THAT CHILD OFF BECAUSE SHE HAD NO TICKET OR MONEY.' HE PUT
THE LITTLE GIRL BACK ON THE TRAIN AND SIGNALLED THE ENGINEER
AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE TRAIN PROCEEDED WITHOUT INCIDENCE."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MUSKEGON

Date learned: 09-19-1982