Page 128 - Arrow Publications Pvt. Ltd.

“I will go on the top,” said the sealskin lady

at last. “You mustn’t.” “I will.” “You will have
pneumonia.”

“Let me take it.” “Certainly not”- she would die
with her dog. When she had disappeared up the

stairs, the conductor came back, pulled the bell,
and the bus went on.

A little while later, the bus broke down and the
conductor went to the help of the driver. It was

a long job, and presently the lady with the dog
came down the stairs and re-entered the bus.
When the engine was set right, the conductor
came back and pulled the bell.

Then his eye fell on the dog, and his hand went to the conductor pointed to the dog, the bus

stopped and the whole episode recommenced with all the original features- the conductor
walking the pavement, the little dog blinking at the lights, the sealskin lady declaring that
she would not go on the top - and finally going...

“I have got my rules,” said the conductor to me when I was the last passenger left behind. He

had won his victory, but felt that he should justify himself to somebody.
“Rules,” I said are necessary things. Some are hard and fast rules, like the rule of the road

which cannot be broken without danger to life and limb. But some are only rules for your
guidance, which you apply or wink at, as common sense dictates - like that rule about
the dogs. They are not a whip put in your hand to scourge your passengers with, but

an authority for an emergency. They are meant to be observed in the spirit, not in the
letter-for the comfort and not the discomfort of the passengers. You have kept the rule
but broken its spirit. You could mix your rules with a little good will and good temper.”

The conductor took it very well, and when I got off the bus he said “Good night” quite amiably.

-A.G. Gardiner
Word Power

raved: talk in a wild or furious voice pekinese: a lap dog, short-legged with long hair
malice: desire to cause harm brewing: a trouble about to happen

grievance: complaint venom: poison
triumph: victory harrow: to cause worry and upset
embittered: angry or unhappy rumpus: a noisy disturbance
imperturbably: calm and controlled way pavement: footpath

Arrow - English Plus-8 126