Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-04-05
The Switch Tenders Story.

fOugn CdDlu Ol logs anu latlS, with
chimney of stone and plaster, in the
midst Of almost uncleared woods, and
shut in by the huge, precipitouS crests
of rocky hills. Neighbors there were
none, save at Hiram Wycliffe's red
farm house in the valley some few
miles below; and it was only in the
blue transparence Of the clearest days
that | could see the dim wreaths of
smoke curling up from his chimneys.
Yet the solitude was not unpleasant
to me. had needed employment, and
here it was ready to my hand. [ had
been struggling to ward off the iron
grasp of actual poverty; here was
competence decent, although barely
sufficient. Nor was I discontented.
| had not, however, been the only
aspirant for the situation Of switch
tender at the tender Branhill Station.
John Walker had also applied for it,
and had heard floating rumor, half
needed at the time and totally disbe-
lieyed afterward, that pretty Barbara
Wycliffe had herself gone to the city
and used her influence with the alta
ches of the railroad company in Walk
er's behalf. | admired Barbara myself
there was something in the tropic
glow of her dark Spanish beauty, and
the sparkle of her black lashed, brown
eyes, that was strangely attractive to
me. Somehow | did not fancy the idea
Of her becoming the wife Of su!len,
reticent fellow like John Walker; and
whenever the vision ofa possible home
of my own rose before me, Barbara
WyclifeS glowing face lightened up
its underlined walls.
The sun was creeping slowly up the
leaaess woods and sOmbre stretches
of black green pines that covered the
eastern hill one sparkling March after
noon, as l came leisurely in after half
an hours brisk work at wood cutting
down in the hollow. The instant
entered | became conscious, by thai
peculiar magnetic influence which all
have experienced, of the presence OF
some one else in the little apartment
Nor was [ mistaken. John Walker
was lounging on the rocking chair by
the one window reading a week ole
newspaper.
Halloo, Walker how came yol
here ?"
Through the back door I've jus
strolled up from Wycliffe's. And how
are you getting along, old fellow?'
"Oh, first rate. What are you dc
t ing ?"
Nothing just at present. al
looking for place on the E. roa'
= as brakesman until something bette
turns up. Upon my word, you've go
f things pretty snug here, Reuben
4, Does the company give Outhe place ?
= yes"
l Comfortable, though not gorgeous,
+ he said, looking carelessly around
+ - Nice warm walls, chimney big Ell
;, ough to roast an ox-two, if you wal
] them-furniture neat-clock on shell
= what is that for, eh ?"
J. | smiled as | confessed the clock
F, utility.
y "Not having yet attained the di'
: nifty of a watch, | depend upon tt
V clock to inform me of the time"
T. "Oh, that's it! Pretty hard work
y Switches changed often ?"
II Only twice a day, when the 'ligh
ming meets the up accommodation {
y the branch road and the Way Ma
h on the branch, leaves the main track
le Late ?"
n | could but think him a little impe
d tinent, and looked rather suddenly
|: him; but he was not at all disturbC
+ by my gaze. What lounging, ins
10 lent sort of a way he had as he p
l. the question inditferently to me
le if even the petty details of my dai
ID life were preferable to no amuseme
st at all. But resolutely checked Il
e. rising choler by remembering that,
ID certain degree, he was, for the til
e being, my guest-though an UNIV
IN come one-and answered lightly:
ID "Well, yes, late and early; at nj
70 in the morning for the branch roe
I'd and seven in the evening for the lig
as ming.
IL Il should think you led a pretty
ur sy life of it. Eyre" said Walker, wrir
in ling his ugly eyebrows discontent'
il. ly.
"You are right; it is not hard,
as ly one has to be promptly on
Ia spot"
of YES" he said absently; yes,
be sure. See much of old Wyclif
bo folks here, eh ?'
his Occasionally"
6 = We chatted on for five or ten II
tho utes longer, and | was unmistaka
,of relieved at length to see him rise
sot depart. All the time he had b
amt talking his cold, grey eyes had W
iii dered about the apartment, not III
bat silly, it is true, but seemingly endt
md oring to avoid meeting mine; and
,ad never once looked at me with
r;Il frank, fearless gaze that is most
propriate between man and man.
"Well, old fellow, I'm off. D
make love to pretty Barbara if |
on the E. roadr'
| smiled a forced smile; but CT
r,b; have cheerfully knocked the CO
lester down, and | watched his re
cling footsteps with feeling OF he
ioh- qualification. had never like(
wing trusted that man; and the very
ling of his presuming to take Barbara
ain cliffe's name in his mouth was indie
badly revolving to me.
and The next day was one OF those
ond hpInht