Page:North Dakota Reports (vol. 2).pdf/161

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BOSS v. NORTHEBN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.
135

places on the caboose car as defendant had provided for that purpose. If he failed to do so; if he occupied a more dangerous position-and the steps to a platform would be a more dangerous position-that would raise a presumption of such contributory negligence on his part as would defeat a recovery, admitting the negligence of defendant. To overcome that presumption of contributory negligence, and entitle himself to a recovery, it would be necessary for the plaintiff to establish the fact that he occupied such position through no fault or negligence of his own, and not from choice. On this point the learned trial court fully and correctly charged the jury. If plaintiff succeeded in establishing the facts as above indicated, he would then be in a position to take advantage of defend- ant's negligence. But it is insisted that plaintiff failed to show that he was not in this dangerous position from choice, because he failed to show that he made any effort to get on board at the rear platform after he found the front door locked. But it was the duty of the jury to consider all the circumstances. It is apparent that it required a vigorous effort on the part of the plaintiff and his fellow workmen to reach the train before it would start. Plaintiff got on board at the first available point. There was nothing to notify him that he could not gain entrance in that way. He had been in the employ of defendant for years, had been accustomed to ride in their freight caboose cars when they were in proper use on freight trains, and knew that both doors were habitually unlocked when the car was in use. He had no knowledge that the front door of this car was kept locked, and only learned that he could not gain entrance when he tried the door. The train was expected to start every moment, and did start almost instantaneously. Plaintiff was compelled to remain on the platform, or take his chances of getting on board from the ground with the train in motion. His only choice was a choice between two dangers; and whether or not, in taking the course he did, he was guilty of any negligence was a question for the jury. We cannot say that they were warranted in finding that plaintiff, at the time he was injured, was on that platform without fault on his part, and not of his own free will.