The Plymouth Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1869-1941, 1869-12-23
ROMANCE EOFARAILWAY CARRIAGE

wards the end of July The Dover ex-
press was about to start from the London
Bridge terminus of the Southeastern Rail-
way, and there was the usual hustle and
catter attendant upon such an occur
renee.
Amongst the intending passengers
might be seen on the platform stout, sill
ver-haired, CHEEKY looking, elderly gentle
man, whose spotless broadcloth and mas
siye gold chain Ito which was attached a
valuable repeater), and, above all whose
conscious air of responsibility proclaimed
the man of substance. He was, in fact,
the senior partner of wealthy and we'll
known firm of Kentish brewers, and was
taking with him to Sandwich large sum
of money, which he had come to London
on purpose to collect This passenger ap-
peared to possess that sort of amiabe in
quisitiveneSs and reStlessness which is q
not uncommon attribute of gentlemen who
have passed the RubicOn Of q certain age
His first care was to secure copy OF the
latest edition of the Times, his next to re-
cruit himself with biscuit and glass of
old sherry at the refreshment bar, and
| finally to walk up and down the platform,
at somewhat brisk pace, being evidently
unwilling to sit down within the narrow
limits of railway carriage until it became
a matter of positive necessity that he
should do so.
While he thus exercised himself the eye
of the worthy old gentleman was sudden
ly caught by a large staring printed bill
on the wal, and adjusting his goldrimmed
spectacles, he proceeded to peruse it. 1t
ran thus
Murder e2OO Reward The above
is hereby offered by Her Majesty's Gov
ernment to any person or persons WHO
shall give such information as may lead to
the apprehension and conviction of
Charles Wintringham (alias Carlo Berto-
lacci), suspected and accused of committing
divers barbarous murders, for the purpose
of committing robbery, on the various
| lines of railway throughout the United
Kingdom. The said Charles w. (alias
Carlo b. is % years of age, and is short of
stature, of fair complexion, has blue eyes,
and good teeth His hands and feet are
remarkably small and wel-shaped and his
manner winning, persuasive, and eOur-
teous. Whoever will give such infOrma-
| tion as may lead to the apprehension, will
receive the full reward"
1t was also particularly stated that c. w.
had mole beneath his chin.
BLESS me-" calculated the brewer;
"what an Adonis, But, dear me, MUIR
dering people in railroad carriages-how
remarkably nervous l feel, to be sure.
Here, guard"
A guard who happened to he near,
Scenting probable halfcf0wn, immedi-
ately advanced
"Guard, l must have a carriage to my
SELF"
Train will be very full, sir Where
are you for, sr?"
Sandwich" was the reply.
Change at Minister for Sandwich and
Deal" said the guard, instinctively repeat
ing the well-knOwn formula.
"Yes, yes, / know about that, 1 should
think, by this time," interrupted the old
gentleman, impatiently 1.-The question
is, can / have carriage, or not :" said he,
producing a sovereign from his pocket,
and showing it surreptitiously to the
guard.
The eyes of the official frightened up
amazingly.
Follow me sir" said he, "and I'll see
| what can be DONE"
The old gentleman followed his con-
ductor and the result was, as it usually is,
that the golden key, which unlocks every
door, unlocked for the brewer the door of
the reserved first class carriage.
"There, sir, said the guard, locking him
in; "now you're all right But l forgot;
you must change at Ashford for Minister,
as this is a Dover carriage"
"Oh, know that, said the old gentle
man. Il know the line WE'LL
"All right, sir" said the guard. "No
offence"
"Oh, certainly not" said the other,
"Much obliged to you"
Putting his hand to his cap, the guard
then departed.
The old gentleman unfolded his Times,
and began to look through the latest do
ings on the stock exchange and in the hop
market The moment for the departure
of the train had almost arrived; the noise
from the engine getting up its steam was
almost deafening; late passengers rushed
to and fro, and bewildered pOrtcrs strOve
in vain to satisfy their demands Sud
denly the smiling, ObsequiOus face of the
guard appeared at the window of the car
riage in which the brewer sat alone in his
| glory.
"Oh, l beg pardon, sir" said he. al
really beg pardon; but could you allow
one person in there with you?'
Certainly not" said the old gentle
man, looking up testify from his paper.
"What did pay my sovereign fory"
But you see, sir" said the guard, dep
recatingly, =" this is a lady who -"
"Oh, a lady Well-in that case"
began the old man. somewhat Modified.
Il would not intrude upon the gentle
man against this will," said low, sweet
voice. 81 would rather lose the train"
Indeed, madame" said the brewer,
| looking at the lovely face before him, q
shall be honored Open the door, guard"
The triumphant guard unlocked the
i <lC - .rst
bow to her elderly companion took her
seat. In another instant the official had
received a second golden douceur, doors
slammed to with crash, the engine, re-
| leased from its enforced restraint gave a
shriek and the train dashed out Of the sta
| ton on its mission across the lovely cOun-
| ty of Kent.
Involuntarily the brewer stole glance
at his beautiful companion. She was
| dressed in a costly toilet, which set off her
| slight and elegant figure to great advant-
age Her features were singularly lovely,
and her dark hair formed an exquisite
contrast to her blue eyes and fair complex
| ion.
"If were 30 years younger" thought
| the brewer, " should-wheugh"
Presently, after those numberless and
nameless civiities had been exchanged be-
tween the lady and her companion which
are almost inevitable when well-bred per-
sons are travelling together, they com
menced conversing together like old ac-
quaintances. The gentleman appeared
much pleased and gratilied with the atten-
tion which his companion paid to all he
said, whilst the lady on her part threw off
the air of timidity and distrust which had
at first sat SO well upon her.
ut is very pleasant travelling by the
express" remarked the brewer; zone is
not jolted as by the ordinary trains.'
No, it is as you say, extremely pleas
ant" said his companion. Besides, an
accident rarely happens to the express"
oh, madam, pray do not speak of ac-
cidents," said the brewer.
"YOu are nervous, sir?" said the lady.