Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-10-09
Selected sliisfellanu.
A JEALOUS FATHER.
ARaiIroad Adventure.


a splendid little station on the Harlem rail-
road.
/ do not know as should have particl-
larry noticed that we stopped at all, fer had
been mapping it for some miles; but just as
l was casting an inquiring, sleepy look out
of the window, and settling myself for an
other siesta, my attention WAS attracted by
the entrance of young lady, way-passen-
ger, who, peTceiving the car was well NIL
ed, paused before me IN evidentembarrass-
ment.
/ - ircely wish the reader to infer from
this that there was no vacant seats; on the
contrary, the chair / occupied was seHishiy
Inonopolized by my shawl and valise, which
had excluded many an occupant, and SD the
moment / observed the car door open
mentally resolved not 20 bulge aninch; but
one glance at the newcomer changed my
mind.
She was young lady of exceeding beauty
dressed in the Tich and tasty style OF the
present fashion. Whether ii was her genteel
asnect or the soft melancholy of hen dark
IMPRESSIVE eve; cannot say, nut when she
veItured, almost timidly, TO inquire If the
hGlf-sest at my side Twas engaged, gal
lantly arose and pToffered 1t to her at once;
Unjust acknowledge felt somewhat battered
by her preference, for though young man,
aud tolerably good looking, ! had the sense
10 perceive there were far better looking
men around. who, like me, might have
shared their chair with the handsome lady
stranger tancied they enyied me too, as
the fair girl sat plump down, and her dam
" form nestled close to my side.
Il fear have disturbed you, said my
communion in a low, sweet voice that thrill
ed me with its soft cadence.
Not at all, Miss" 1 rejoined with sereo-
typed politeness. lam too happy to obllge
you"
She bowed and smiled in reply, and a
short pause ensued, as is usual upon such
sudden acquaintanceship. In the meantime
the train has started, and We ratified swiftly
through the fields and woods, now decked
IN the lively tint offspring. The conductor
came in. and went through his customary
routine of examining the tickets. Iperciev-
ed hers was marked for New York, and after
some hesitation | said:
You go to the city,"
Yes, she replied with smile OF winning
cundor; ''that / presume you have already
found out. !"
4 shall keep You company, then" OBJ
served pleasantly.
Thank you, sir.
There was slight dignity, thought, in
her tone which repealed further familiarity;
so. as am a very modest man, drew back
and said nothing further. On rushed the
steam horse upon its iron railway. One
more station has been passed, and L was
fast relapsing into my former apathy when
my lady friend to my surprise, leaned to-
ward me and whispered.
Il am very timid on the cars.
Indeed. said quite charmed with her
abruptness. ''You surely are well accus-
TONED IN travelling -
Perfectly" she replied with some non
chalenee; but that is not 1t exactly. There
are so many dreadful accidents on the rail
road"
i. Dreadful indeedr' echoed /.
And " added my companion with naiv-
etc, 1T is unpleasant 70 travel unattended.
/ usually have my brother Charlie with me.
He is splendid escort.
s'If YOU will allow me, said quite gal
lantly, Il will gladly occupy that position.
Il am much obliged to you, sir" replied
the young lady, with grateful glance from
her dark Orbs, ''yet am half frightened to
think am accepting the escort of a strang-
er; not that l fear you, sir; but alas Ihave
jealous father.
"a Jealous father r. repeated, somewhat
puzzled and surprised
'sAh yes" sighed the young lady. 1T is |
NV misfortunes while having wealth, health |
and almost everything that the heart can |
wish, to be under the control ola tyrannical
old step-father, who treats me oftimes in
the most cruel manner, debars me from the
society of our sex, shuts me upin the gloom
Of my chamber, and treats me with pitiless
rigor If l do as much as to speak to or look
at "a man.
What a monster T. 1 calculated with a
face OF melo-dramatic sympathy.
THAT is the reason, she continued, look
ing around her half-fearfIlly as she spoke.
that is the reason why / am so difhdent
about entrusting myself to your care, but /
did it on one condition"
Name it, rejoined, charmed and de-
lighted with the strange confidence the
young lady was repOsing in me.
THAT you leave me the instant the cars
reach New York"
! was SO bewitched by the beauty and
charming i.SOuciOnce ofmy quondam friend
that 1 readily gave the required pledge.
Apparently quite relieved the young lady
threw aside all reverse, and talked and chat
ted with me in the most pleasant manner
possible. 1t is needless to say that III an
hours time | had so far advanced in her
good gTaces as to venture to press her hand,
and the sweet half coquettish smile that
played around the corners of her cherry
lips did not seem to disapprove of the lib
eTty had taken.
do you know, said she, as We sat chat
ting confidently together, ''that / liked
your face the first time saw ii.
at was sympathetic on both sides, then,
whispered, drawing her so near that
could feel her hot breath fan my cheek.
YES" she murmered gently withdraw
ing herself from my glowing embrace, for
We had passed through the tunnel, and
had taken lovers advantage and snatched
a hasty kiss
You are naughty mantle nGughtlest
man l ever saw" she said in a low and
tremulous tone. IF pa should be on the
train, what would he say of such proceed
ings."
"Never fear, sweet creature" I reioined
earnestly, your cross old father is miles
away, and let us improve the present op-
portunity.
care you aware, she observed half mis-
chevlously, ''that there is another tunnel
beyond, great deal darker too, than, the
one we have left p
II know it, said /, with tender glance
st my fair ensiAver. I'VE are drawing near
1t very fast"
Once more placed my arm around the
waist of the lady, and wrapped up in the
gloom of the tunnel, took sweet pledges
nom her lips. II was very gratifying to my
vanity. All good-looking men are vain,