The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-10-10
J1lisceilanp.
A JEALOUS FATHER.
A RAILROAD ADVENTURE

'.Katonah," shouted the brakeman, opening tne
car door as the train passed before splendid lit
tie station on the Harlem railroad.
do not know as l should have particularly
noticed that we stopped AT all, Tor had oeeh
Mapping It tor some miles; but Just us was cast
ing an iuquiring, sleepy LOOK ouV o. the Minuo"'
and settling myself for another siesta, my atten-
ton was attracted by the entrance OF a young
lady. n way passenger. who, perceiving the car
was well filed. paused before me IN evident en-
barrassuent. -
| scarcely wish the reader to inter from this
that there were no vacant seats on the contrary,
the chair OCCUPIED was selfishly monOpolized BY
nv shawl and vahSe, which had excluded many
an OCCUPANT. and SO the moment l observed the
car door open mentally resolved not tn bulge
an inch bat one glance at the new conner chang
ed my mind
She was a Young lady OF exceeding beauty,
dressed in the rich and tasty style OF the present
fashion. Whether it was her genteel aspect or
the soft melancholy of her dark impressive eyes,
I cannot saw, but when she ventured, almost tim
idly, to inquire if the half seat at my side 'was
engaged" CALAMITY arose and protfered 1t to
her AT once must acknowledge felt somewhat
fattered by her preference for though young
man, and toerably good looking had the sense
to perceive there were far better looking men
around, who like me, might have shared their
chair with the handsome lady stranger. fancied
tneV enVleu me 700, as lhe SHi Sas piuiuP
down. and her dainty form nestled close to my
side.
81 fear have disturbed you" said my COM
panion, in "a low, sweet voice that thrilled me
with its soft cadence.
"Nct at all. Miss reioined with stereotyped
politeness. Il am too happy to oblige you
She bowed and smiled in reply, and short
pause ensued, as is usual upon such sudden &C
quaintanceship. In the meantime the train has
81 IN
and woods. now decked in the lively tint OF
Spring The conductor in, and went
through his customary routine of examining the
tickets. I perceived hers was marked for New
York, and utter some hesitation l said
You go to the city,
EYES," she replied with smile of winning
candor; That presume you have already found
OUT
81 shall keep you company, ther," observed
pleasantly.
"Thank you, sir" t.-s t-
There was Il slight dignity, thought, in her
tone which repealed further familiarity so, as
am very modest man, Grew back and said
nothing further. On rushed the steam horse up
on its iron railway. One more station has been
passed and I was fast relapsing into my former
apathy when my lady friend to my surprise, lean
ed toward me and whispered
81 am very tiluid on the cars"
"lndeed" said quite charmed with her sb-
ruptness. lyon surely well accustomed to
travelling"
Perfectly" she replied with some nonchal-
ence; "but that is not it exactly. There are so
man dreadful accidents on the railroad"
.Dreadtul indeed !" echoed l.
"And," added my companion with naivete at
is unpleasant t. travel unattended | usually
have my brother Charlie with me- He is splen-
did escort
IF you will allow me- said quite gallantly
81 will gladly occupy that position"
81 am much obliged to you SIR replied the
young lady, W it'll grateful glance from her dark
orbs, ''yet am half frs ghtened to think 1 am
cepting the escort of a stranger; not that fear
you sir; bat, alas have jealous father
"a Jealous father repeated, somewhat puz-
zled and surprised.
"Ah, yes" sighed the young lady. at is my
misfortune. while having wealth. health and al
most everything that the heart can wish, to be
under the control OF tyrannical old step-father,
who treats Inc oftimes in the most cruel manner,
debars me tsoIs the society Of sex, shuts me
up IN the gloom OF my chamber, and treats me
with pitiess rigor if do AS much as to speak to
or look at man"
"What monster.' calculated with face of
melo-dramatic sympathy.
That is the reason" she continued, looking
around her halt-fearfully as she spoke, 'that is
ing myself to your care, but | did it on one
condition"
"Nanc it," | reioined, charmed and delighted
with the strange confidence the young lady was
-eposing in me.
THAT YOU leave me the instant the cars reach
New York.
was SO bewitchcd by the beauty and charm
lng h1S0nctelce of my quondan friend that read
lily gave the required pledge Apparently quite
relieved the young lady threw aside all reserve.
and talked and clatted with me in the most
pleasant manner possible 1t is needless to saw
that in an hour time had so far advanced in her
good graces 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 dissapprove of the liberty had taken
'Do you know" said she, as we sat chatting
confidently together, ''that liked your face the
first time J saw it,"
at was sympathetic on both sides, them I
whispered, drawing her so near that | could feel
her bot breath fan my cheek .r...
YES She murmured gently Withdrawing her.
sell from my glowing embrace, for we had pass
ed through the tunnel, and I had taken lovers
adi2u'ag and suatchod : 7sty kiss.
lyon are naughty mau--the naughtiest man
ever saw she said in low tremulous tone.
I'll pa should be on the train, what would he say
Of srch rroaeadlngs"
Never fear, sweet creature" reoined earn
eSIy, your cross old fati,r is miles away, and
let Us improve the present opportunity"
Are you aware she observed half rnischiey-
oualy, chat there is another tunnel bevond.
"r -.a darker too than the one VIC have
'f Emo" il, s..4 - with tender glance at
q, "a