Hitch

Toby took the conductor’s hand as he stepped from the train in the dark night unsure of why his mother had sent him away. The conductor had his travel bag in his hand and Toby looked at the shadowy, unlit buildings as he was led down the street.
After five minutes, the conductor guided him to a bench on the boardwalk of the sleeping town, then left his bag on the bench with him.
“Now, son, I gotta leave you here. You stay there until the sheriff comes and he’ll find your aunt for you. Okay?”
Toby nodded, said, “Thank you, sir,” then the conductor patted him on the head, turned and left.
Toby was more confused than afraid as he sat in front of the jail. No matter what else happened, he knew that he would have someone go back to the farm and bring his mother back to him.
Three hours later, the sheriff led him into the diner where he introduced him to his uncle, Hitch Nelson.