Final answer:
The cop responds to the people who want to ride the train by motioning them off the track and ensuring safety. He also intervenes when a contention arises among the children for a flattened out nickel and crossed pins.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the passage, the cop speaking responds to the people who want to ride the train by motioning them off the track and shouting, 'der drain gomes,' which means the train is coming. He tells them to stand to one side and let the train pass. After the train passes, the cop intervenes when a contention arises among the children for a flattened out nickel and crossed pins that were jolted off the track. He decides that at the end of the day, a reward of merit will be given to the person who behaves best. The cop's response shows that he is concerned with safety and maintaining order.