Dana Krum, one of the conductors on the Erie Railway, was approached
before train time by an unknown man, who spoke to him as if he had known
him for years. “I say, Dana,” said he, “I have forgotten my pass, and I
want to go to Susquehanna; I am a fireman on the road, you know.” But
the conductor told him he ought to have a pass with him. It was the
safest way. Pretty soon, Dana came along to collect tickets. Seeing his
man, he spoke when he reached him. “Say, my friend, have you got the
time with you?” “Yes,” said he, as he pulled out a watch, “it is twenty
minutes past nine.” “Oh, it is, is it? Now, if you don’t show me your
pass or fare, I will stop the train. There is no railway man that I ever
saw who would say ‘Twenty minutes past nine.’ He would say,
‘Nine-twenty.’” He settled.