Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1872-07-04
THE RAILROAD FIEND.

THE RAILROAD FIEND.
widow, residing at D., was what was
usually termed bad boy.
His mother had taken every pains to
bring him up in the way he should go !;
but Henry, hating school and books,
would associate with evil companions,
who soon made him as bad as they.
Nevertheless, he loved his mother
dearly; and that love might be termed
dhe one green spot in his otherwise OBJ
<iurate heart. Often her tears and sup
plications, her gentle voice and manner,
would draw from him a promise to re-
form, but, alas, his weak nature could
not resist the tempter, when the latter
again came in his way.
To steal apples from some orchard, to
stone cats and dogs, to go off and get
drunk, even at the early age of thir-
teen, were the pleasures of this lad,
who should, instead, have been fitting
himself for some respectable position in
the world.
Thus he knew to nineteen-a rough,
cruel-hearted fellow, over whom no per-
son could exert the least influence, ex-
cept his mother, and she only while he
was in her presence.
Meanwhile Mrs. Jones had made the
acquaintance of worthy widow lady
named Mrs. Canton, who had a lovely
daughter, ANNE Canton, one of the
sweetest of her sex.
Annie was just sixteen years old, and
well might have been termed the belle
of the village.
9 When she walked she seemed rather
to skim over the grass and flowers than
to tread or them, and to hear her speak
was to hear the richest music that ever
greeted mortal ear.
About the middling size of woman,
her form, with its hollow back, rounded
waist, sloping shoulders, and queenly
bearing, was unrivaled in its graceful
proportions. Her eyes were of dark
brown, and full of eVer-varying expires
sion, her hair, falling in ripping clus-
ters, was black and shining, her neck was
round and swan-hke, her feet and hands
small and plump.
In course of time Henry Jones was
introduced to this bewitching creature,
and from the moment he saw her he
knew little peace of mind.
She exerted such an influence over
him that he became more gentle in his
manners, and was otherwise improved,
as rough men always are by mingling
with the pure and virtuous of the other
sex.
Unfortunately, however, Henry mis-
took Annie's kind and friendly de-
meanor toward him for the mark of
deeper sentiment. He magnifed all
feelings, and felt sure that she would
consent to be his wife, when, he would
fix upon some employment which would
bring him in good salary.
A woman is quick to read such
thoughts in a man. She can see them
at once, where one of his own would
fail to perceive the slightest sign in this
respect.
Annie read Henry at once as she
would an open book, and she felt deeply
grieved for she was not one to exult in
awakening such sentiments when she
could give nothing but friendship and
good will in return.
She longed for an opportunity to let
him know the true state of her heart;
but how could she do this except by her
actions And Henry was so blind-so
self conceited, in fact, that coldness,
construed by him into mere maidenly
reserve, only urged him on the more
ardently.
One day when he called to see Annie,
in the evening, he found handsome,
noble young man seated by her side
near the cottage window. He was speak
ing to her earnestly, and Annie, with
her hands clasped upon her lap, pretty
blush mantling over her lovely cheeks,
and her long lashes lowered, sat listen
ing to him, evidently with pleased in
terest.
A third person, how stupid soever he
might be, could have seen at once that
this young man was the master of the
little heart keeping more than time
with every word he uttered but Henry,
rough animal that he was, could not or
would not be thus impressed. Annie,
in much confusion, finally, perceiving
that Jones was determined not to re.
as Mr.. Barker.
The latter partly extended his hand.
Am glad to know any friend of
Miss Canton," he said.
Never saw you BEFORE" answered
Jones, rather gruffiy. "Guess you're a
stranger up hereaway."
T" You are right, sir. l came up here,
a few days ago, as Superintendent of
the D. railroad, and hope to remain
here for some time"
"Hope you will, as you might find
something for me to do on one of the
engines. always took notion to that
sort o. thing"
." will be glad to do all I can for
you, sir" replied Mr.. Barker, kindly.
"Will you, though Well, now that's
square, anyhow"
g Miss Canton was speaking to me be-
fore you came in on this very sub
ject."