Forty Minutes Late / 1909

Name: Forty Minutes Late / 1909
Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith

By Francis Hopkinson Smith

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American Literature Humour Short Stories

About This Book

The narrator, a traveling lecturer, is delayed by a determined snowstorm that disrupts train connections and leaves a small rural station deserted. Forced to abandon reliance on a promised carriage, he struggles across drifts with heavy bags, weighing options between waiting in the cold or pressing on to find shelter. He navigates by a fence and faint lights, endures slips and exhaustion, and finally reaches a farmhouse whose occupants admit him, offering warmth and refuge. Throughout he frets about the missed engagement and the indignities of travel, but his persistence and small acts of improvisation carry him through.

About the Author

Francis Hopkinson Smith

Francis Hopkinson Smith was an American author, painter, and engineer, known for his engaging storytelling and vivid characterizations. His literary works often explore themes of adventure and human experience, with a notable focus on the lives of eccentric and colorful characters. Among his best-known books is "Colonel Carter of Cartersville," which showcases his ability to blend humor and pathos in a narrative that reflects Southern life. Smith's diverse talents also extended to the visual arts, where he gained recognition as a painter. His contributions to literature and art have left a lasting impact, making him a significant figure in American cultural history.