Page:Chetyates00yateiala.pdf/272

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

"I loaded up again, and hung my umbrella to my little finger, and went down the waiting-room; it is at least two miles and a half long,—I know, because my arms were positively groaning when I reached the door at the end, and my knees felt shaky. I asked a man where the cabstand was, and he pointed to a little sentry box with a window in it. I went and stood in line, and when I saw that the other people were handing out their checks to the heavy man inside, I thought I might as well attend to mine at the same time; so when my turn at the window came, I handed him the check and gave the address and paid for having my trunk taken out; and then asked what he would charge me for a cab out there. Father says I must always make my bargains beforehand, so as not to have any trouble.

"'One dollar,' he said, 'anywhere in town.'

"'All right. I want to go to 1944 Iuka Avenue.'

"'Where?' he said.

"'1944 Iuka Avenue.'

"'You've got the number wrong, lady," he said, and looked as if I had done it on purpose.

"'No,' I said, 'that is the right number.'

"'It couldn't be, lady,' and he leaned around