Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1869-12-24
ROMANCE OFA RAILWAY CARRIAGE.

wards the end of July. The Dover cx-
press was about to start from the London
Bridge terminus of the Southeastern Rail
way, and there was the usual hustle and
clatter 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
sive 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 20 London
on purpose to collect. This passenger ap-
peared to possess that sort of amiable in
Quisitivencss and rcstlessuess which is
not uncommon attribute of gentlemen who
have passed the Rubicon of 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 II somewhat brisk pace, being evidently
unwilling to sit down within the narrow
limits of a railway carriage until it became
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 large staring printed bill
on the wall, and adjusting his gold-rimmed
spectacles, he proceeded to peruse it. 1t
ran thus:
"Murder! e20O 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 (dlidS 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. (dlias
Carlo b. is 90 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 well-shaped, and his
manner winning, persuasive, and cour-
teous. Whoever will give such informa.
tion as may lead to the apprehension, will
receive the full reward"
1t was also particularly stated that G. w
had mole beneath his chin.
"Bless mep calculated the brewer
"what an Adonisl But, dear me, mur
dering people in railroad carriages-how
remarkably nervous l feel, to be sure
Here, guardT
A guard who happened to be near
scouting a probable half-crown, immedi
ately advanced.
"Guard, l must have carriage to my
self"
"Train will be very full, sir Where
are you for, sir?'
Sandwich" was the reply.
"Change at Minister for Sandwich ant
Deal" said the guard, instinctively repeat
ing the well-known formula.
ayes, yes, know about that, 1 should
think, by this time" interrupted the ole
gentleman, impatiently. "The question
is, can have carriage, or not?" said he
producing a sovereign from his pocket
and showing it surreptitiously to tn
guard
The eyes of the official frightened III
amazingly.
Follow me SIR said he, land I'll Sc
what can be done"
The old gentleman followed his con
ductor, and the result was, as it usually il
that the golden key, which unlocks ever,
door, unlocked for the brewer the door Q
the reserved first class carriage.
"There, sir, said the guard, locking hin
in; "now you're all right But forgot
you must change at Ashford for Minister
as this is Dover carriage"
ooh, know that, said the old gentle
man. ~ know the line we'll"
All right, sir, said the guard. IN
offence? ?"
"Oh, certainly not" said the othel
"Much obliged to you"
Putting his hand to his cap, the guar
then departed.
The old gentleman unfolded his Time
and began to look through the latest dc
, ings on the stock exchange and in the no
] market. The moment for the departur
; of the train had almost arrived; the nois
; from the engine getting up its steam wa
almost deafening late passengers rushe
/ to and fro, and bewildered porters strov
in vain to satisfy their demands. Sue
: denly the smiling, obsequious face of tn
} guard appeared at the window of the ca
4 riage in which the brewer sat alone in h
glory.
l ooh, beg pardon, sir" said he.
e really beg pardon; but could you allo
e one person in there with you?"
: Certainly not" said the old gentl
f man, looking up testify from his pape
"What did | pay my sovereign fori"
"But you see, sir" said the guard, de-
S recatingly, this is lady who ="
d ooh, lady, Well-in that case
Il began the old man, somewhat Modified.
" | would not intrude upon the gentl
! man against this WILL" said low, swe
voice. 81 would rather lose the train"
"Indeed, madame" said the brewe
looking at the lovely face before him,
shall be honored. Open the door, guard
/; The triumphant guard unlocked Il
:, door, and the fair visitor, with a gracio
bow to her elderly companion, took h
: seat In another instant the official h;
received second golden douceur, doc
! slammed to with a crash, the engine, I
0 leased from its enforced restraint, gave
shrek, and the train dashed out Of the st
ton on its mission across the lovely cou
: ty of Kent
J. Ipyoluntarily. the brewer stole CLAN
at his beautiful companion. She W
9 dressed in costly toilet, which set off h
slightand elegant figure to great advaI
L age. Her features were singularly lovel
i and her dark hair formed an exquisi
contrast to her blue eyes and fair compile
!. ion.
4 "If were 80 years younger" thong
y the brewer, 4" should-wheughr r.
Is Presently, after those numberless al
II nameless civilities had been exchanged b
tween the lady and her companion whi'
l are almost inevitable when well-bred pc
q sons are travelling together, they col
menced conVersing together like old q
o quaintances. The gentleman appear
I much pleased and gratitied with the atte
4 tion which his companion paid to all
= said, whilst the lady on her part threw
y the air of tiInidity and distrust which h
70 at first sat 50 well upon her
4 1t is very pleasant travelling by t
- express" remarked the brewer zone
not jolted as by the ordinary trains"
No, it is as you say, extremely ple'
=. ant" said his companion. Besides,
4 accident rarely happens to the express. "
= "Oh, madam, pray do not speak of q
- cidents,n said the brewer.
~ "You are nervous, sir" said the Lad
\ Somewhat so. confess; and besid
-"
ID F." Besides p" she said, interrupting.
b "Well, there are other accidents besid
ir those which may happen 10 the train