| abstract | - Doctor Forbes was a well-meaning derelict who had fallen on hard times. He claimed to be a graduate of the class of 1902, but was found to be living as a railway hobo in 1956. Forbes was riding in the freight car that "Nothing" Yonson had used to dispose of the unconscious body of Joe Period. Yonson had thought Period was dead, so he hid the young man's body in a bass violin case and deposited it on the train car. Forbes discovered Period barely alive and administered what medical care he could. Forbes searched Joe and found the money Joe had taken off of Paul Pocketclip. When the train stopped at the next town, Forbes left Joe to acquire food, medicine, and other "provisions" (i.e. liquor). Forbes returned before the train left and he continued to care for his patient. Eventually Joe revived and regained his strength. He discovered that Forbes had taken his money. Rather than expressing gratitude, Period was furious with the older man. The two struggled as the train passed over a high trestle, and Joe forced Forbes out of the car. Doctor Forbes died in the fall and his body was later discovered by some passers-by. Joe Period was eventually arrested on several other counts of murder, but it is unclear if he was ever held to account for the death of the man who had saved his life.
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