Nebraska advertiser., 1875-12-16
TWO MINUTES.

Mark Maldon the fireman of freight
train No. 80, which stopped regularly
all the year round at Redwood Station
to let lightning Express No 20 pass.
Some how, although each Of Jen-
nie's lovers kept a sharp eye on the
other, yet both found opportunities to
propose. She accepted Joe, and when
she in formed Mark next night what
she had done, he turned pale, and
then he congratulated her, and when
he got on his engine, he was unsober.
1t was the beginning of his ruin ;
and on the night Joe and Jennie were
married-which was but brief ceFe-
mony, as Joe was pressed for time
Mark was not in a condition to take
his place on the train, and on the day
following, the company dispensed
with his further services.
From that time, Mark, as the ex-
preston is, went to the bad. His lit
tie savings he proceeded rapidly to
drink up, and this dissipation made
the usual changes, aud soon In appear
ance, manners, speech, and the rest,
he was a different man.
Matters went on much as usual till
one evening in October, when. about
ten o'clock. looking up from her sew
ing, Jennie beheld a pallid face at the
window, staring in at her intently.
Something jumped into her throat
and she could not stir or speak. But
then the face went away, ann present
ly Mark came in.
Didn't know me" he said, advaD-
cling, and leaning across the counter.
81 hope you are not frightened, Jen-
ME. 1t was thoughtless in me; but
just wanted to peep at fire-side COM
fort, a happiness fear have missed,
eh? Joe is due pretty soon now, isn't
he?" He glanced at the clock and
nodded, and then said:
''Ive felt awfully tired and cold all
the evening, and-and lonesome. /
don't believe l ever knew myself TO
w OO 81 lO1SSOAbO DClOACy lHd bG
laughed in a melancholy way, fid-
ding at the same time with the scales
on the counter. land | declare" lie
continued, glancing around oddly,
THAT is such pretty scene that tit
makes my heart ache, Jennie, to
think have no part in it. The pleas
ant glow of the chimney corner for
Joe. and the cold and snow for Mark.
Such is fate, and fellow oughtn't to
complain"
Jennie never felt so uncomfortable
in her life. She was not afraid ofhim
any longer; but she wished he would
20. Still he stood there, talking in
the same melancholy strain; and at
length came the shriil scream of the
engines whistle outside, aud then,
very soon after. entered Joe, smoking
and begrimmed, but all smiles and
good humor.
"Four minutes late," said Mark,
= glancing at the clock.
Yes my fireman was taken sick
at the cut above" said Joe, after kiss
ing his wife as usual, land | made
the run from the last station alone
i don't know what am to do-unless
by Jove! just thought of it-I can
get you to go on. Mark"
The company mightn't like it.
Jce," said Mark, with the same
strange. depressed smile.
''In case like this, there's nc
choice. l can't keep my train here
all night. and can't go without fire.
man. Come, Eli take the response
bility, and make it worth your while. ,
Jennie looked uneasy. Mark rub
bed his hands together in feeble, i'm
beetle sort of Way, hesitating what to
do.
"The- company didn't treat me
right" he continued; "but that was
not your fault, Joe. Well, I'll help
you out. L always do a friendly turn
when I can"
Good! There's the express now"
added Joe, as the whistle of No. 20
sounded and the train went thunder
ing by. Lets get aboard at once. /
must make up for lost time.n
VERY well; IN just get on my coat
and be on theengine in two minutes. >
Good bye, Jennie" said Joe: 81
must be off,"
"JOe," she hesitated. 81 half wish
you were not going to take that man
along"
Joe stared.
"Why?"
Il don't know. I don't feel salts
fed"
"Rshaw Jennie, Mark never har.
med any one but himself, and he cod
not harm me if he wanted to. 1 guess
run the engine, don't j, little one ?''
Please. don't take him."
And keep my train standing here
all night, and be discharged to-mor.
row morning? Nonsense! linus,
clear the track, darling. You forget
there's another express yet. You
don't want a collision. do you9 Good
bye. Jennie.n
Take care of yourself, Joe,p she
SAID, pale and troubled, and almos,
trying to detain him. Don't leave
your engine minute.n