The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-12-31

fancied. My felloW-traVeller olu not $50
this, as he was fxedly staring into vacancy
from the other side Of the carriage. at
last we pulled on to the branch. We had
got into pretty good speed as we passed
The second platform, which, on the Down
ley branch, exists for the convenience OF
up passengers, when, to my amazement,
the door was pulled open, and young
man jumped in.
Come, my lad" demonstrated, "this
is very dangerous game and surely we
have been long enough at the station for
you to get in leisurely.'
Yes" he said, with grin.
On looking at him thought he was one
of the most dissipated, impudent-looklng
young fellows had ever seen.
eyes; you've been at the station long
enough" he added.
Then he stopped, without any percepti-
bic reason, to grin again, and to wink at
me. tried to freeze him by scornful
look, but it had not the least effect upon
him.
."Now," he continued, edo other of
vol. gents know me |?
81 do not" was my reply.
NY companion turned his face from the
window for an instant, and bestowing
lofty glance of contempt upon the speaker,
resumed his gaze. The newcomer was in
no way abashed at the cool manner IN
which his advances were received, but re-
sumed-
81 want to have a little talk with one OF
YOU. but don't know which. Have either
of YOU ever heard Of Tawell, the Quaker,
who was waited for when he got out of the
train. all through the electric telegraph,
which was new thing in bis time 2"
stared at the speaker, while my fellow
traveller bestowed momentary glance
upon him, as before.
"Oh, come, continued the young fell
low, assuming a still more knowing eX-
preston, "this won't do. The branch is
only seven miles long, and one Of you is
wasting time awfully. Which of you is
likely to be waited for at Downley? ?"
I could only continue my blank stare at
the bow The was little better) my fellow
traveller lust moved, but took no notice
Of him.
"Come, say urged the youth, don't
be fool, one of you. I'm telegraph clerk
at the Junction, and have wired to Down
ley to have couple Of blues ready for
this carriage-two hundred and four b;
that's the number you see. Oh, that's
enough" he went on, turning to my new
friend; & can see which is the party.
You're in for it, mister"
But-but why should-how could any
body know ?" began the gentleman, and
his voice YVES now husky and quavering.
"That doesn't matter, that l see," re-
torted the youth {" the only question is,
are you afraid Of policeman just now, or
are you not p
"Well, there are circumstances at pre-
SENT.
"That will do interrupted the clerk
81 don't want to know particulars. 1t
was the guard Of the down train, Bill
Rixon (he's been policeman himselg), that
put the station master at the junction on
the scent. They were very close over it.
Didn't say to me, Here, Sam, you share
in whatever reward we get; and of
course thoy expect to get something"
"But what is the Use Of your telling me
this now ?" demanded the gentleman.
"Just this" returned Mr.. Samuel.
" Can you find a pound or two for advice
that will get you safe out "
Yes here arc five sovereigns. Will
that do ?" said my friend.
"Good :" calculated the clerk, dropping
the money into bis pocket; "now listen.
About mile this side Of Downley the
road is under repair, and the orders are
not to run over it at more than five miles
an hOur-in fact, Just before they get there
the train very nCarly stops. pll tell you
the right place to jump out; and I've got
key. If this other party can manage it,
he had better make himself scarce, too, |
think. There will be row when they
open the doors at Downlcy."
"But what will you do % asked my fell
low traveller.
"Why, you don't suppose l should be
such fool as to stay in after you had got
out" retorted the clerk, with a laugh.
" Nobody knows Pm in the train, and it's
worth my walking four miles to my lodg-
ings if can earn five pounds by doing it."
/ "Now, sir" said the stranger, turning
! to me, {" it is not fair for me to involve you
in this trouble"
"Don't mention it," said. It was a
stupid thing to say, but perhaps the cham
payne had something to do with it.
} "But | must mention it," returned my
fellow passenger. "The fact is that it is
dangerous for you to remain here. If the
carriage arrives with no one but you in it,
the officers will certainly mistake you for
me. Two days at least will be required TO
establish your identity, during which you
will be kept closely confined"
This was an alarming prospect indeed.
Two days confinement, not to speak OF the
ANNOYANCE and disgrace, would have been
ruin to me. had business on the follow
ing day of vital Importance, which could
not possibly be postponed, and my COM
panion's anticipations seemed only too pro-
bable. 81 hope" said hesitatingly, i
hope you have not been engaged in any
transaction Of questionable nature"
"Ob. as to that" returned my compan-
ion, 81 will tell you frankly the whole
truth about this painful case. You are a
gentleman and man Of honor, and will
! not betray me. I am an officer in the
army I cannot now enter into particulars,
but my lieutenant colonel was 4 scoundrel,
villain of the deepest dye. l challenged
him-I horsewhipped him; the coward
bore his disgrace. But his time came. He
brought most unfoundcd charges against
me, which, were certain officers in Eng
! land, could easily rebut. In their ab-
sence may be ruined. sent off two ex-
presses to Canada and Bengal yesterday.
but until they return | must conceal my
self. But weary YOU
"Far from it," I exclaimed. spray
go on"
Ihave little more to say" heresumed.
" You know why / fly. I will tell you
who am. My name is Lionel Gerald de
Mortimer-have you On army list about