Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-07-09

reply.
, Oh, how [ longed to know if my kline
old gentleman was safe-he who had giveI
the advice, which, in fact, had probably
saved my life!
The train arrived. There was some de-
lay, and then the order was given to start
There were three other persons in the first
class carriage in which [ travelled, and
they were all talking together Of the sad
accident, intelligence of which had probab-
ly been telegraphed all along the line.
sat mute and motionless, lost in thought.
had never inclined to superstition, yet
could not look upon the appearance I had
seen as anything but supernatural. How
wonderful, how mysterious, had been my
probable preservation of life and limb! AS
we neared the scene Of the disaster, our
train moved very slowly, for the rails had
been much displaced, and were only tenn
porarily repaired. The wheels of the en-
CINE and carriages lay in all directions,
and the workmen were busy in removing
them. Oh, it was sad sight, and a scene
that can never pass from my remembrance!
There was no phantom now on the rail-
way platform I never saw it again.
Anxiously I looked out as we stopped,
wishing that could ascertain if my kind
friend was safe In a minute, to my great
joy, saw him emerge from the door of
one Of the Eaitipg rooms, looking eagerly
inte>Sfe 3afTlage window as he advanced.
! 1a md no n
Fquickly to me. Very pale and grave he
was-his features seemed altered by the
shock he had undergone.
ssUnhurt, I trust?" I exclaimed, hold
ing out my hand.
Eyes, quite so,'' he replied. "And now
will you give me the key of your box? The
luggage is all under charge of the police.
I cannot claim yours without sufficient
evidence. will bring it on with my own
as soon as possible
I handed him my key. AS the whistle
sounded for starting just then, he leaned
forward and whispered hurriedly, "Your
escape has been wonderful 1 will tell
you all when we meet! Farewell till then!''
And was whirled away.
;. Wearied, oppressed, trembling;yet thank
full, 1 arrived at Tunbridge, where had to
alight and await the down train which
should convey me to Tunbridge Wells
y On arriving at my destination. was
met eagerly on the platform by my friends,
who had expected me in a previous train,
and had, with alarm, heard of the catas-
trophe on the line.
After the first cordial welcome and
greetings were over, 1 hastily informed
them that had not been on the train to
which the accident happened, but that my
luggage had, and was consequently de-
layed, leaving further explanations for the
present.
The evening passed away, and night was
closing in. had enjoyed rest and refresh
ment the pleasant home Of my friends,
but had It quite unable to relate to them
the startlh events Of my journey.
1 was wishing them good night, and
had given up all hopeof seeing my much
needed luggage till the next day, when
there came a loud ring at the door-bell.
My box had arrived, and with it the
card of Mr.. W., my old friend, on which
were written few lines, expressing his
!, intention of calling upon me on the follow.
ing day. I cannot say that my rest was
undisturbed that night. I tossed about
/, my thoughts haunted by the strange
phantom I had seen, and the wonderful
preservation Of which had. been, in all
probability, the subject.
Wearied with perplexing thoughts, and
with striving to solve a problem that
, seemed unsolvable, rose early, and was
glad to join my friends at their cheerful,
social breakfast table.
81 feel certain you have met with some
very strange adventure, Lily" said one
"and presently we shall expect you to re-
lieve our curiosity. and relate it.
Eyes, l will tell you about it, replied
81 want to do so:"
But as I spoke, an Involuntary shudde
, passed over my frame, and l felt. for mo
ment cold and faint.
My friends noted my emotion, and anoth
er said, kindly, ''Not yet, Lily! You mus
, not tell us till you feel quite equal to re
count your story"
Two hours afterwards, in COOL shad,
l room, looking out on the pleasant com
mon, now gay with it's golden blossoms,
| l. told my tale. 1t was listened to in deep
> awe-struck silence, and I had scarcely fin
$ ished when It was announced that Mr.. W
had called, and was awaiting my presenc
: in the drawing-room.
/ 1 introduced him to my friends, VIII
e me, and congratulated him on his preser
t walton in the sad and fatal catastrophe.
f Then they inquired his opinion on tn
mysterious and wonderful occurrence tina
4 had prevented me from sharing the danger
[ of that accident.
!. 'But perhaps yoh would not have bee1
) hurt, Lily" after ALL" interposed one o
L my friends.
n ladies'" said Mr.. W., II must now re
e late to you and Miss Dalyrymple all tina
occurred after she left the carriage"
e "You remember,,' he proceeded, ad
t dressing me, ''that we had fellow tray
\ eler, who remained very quietly aslee
ST during our. somewhat exciting converse
n ton. After your alighting at Headcor1
IS he suddenly aroused himself, inquired Q
me which station we were approaching
|. and then crossed over to your now vacan
It seat, apparently with the view of inspect
ing the surrounding country from the win
70 dow on that side. We conversed littl
and continued to do so at intervals unit