Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-02-03
MisreIIantous. g
Lost in . London Fog.
by LOUISA II. ALCorT.

We had been to tea with some friends in
SALISBURY Terrace, and were so busy with
our gossip that the evening slipped away
unperceiyed till the clock struck half-past
ten. We were two lone ladies', and had
meant to leave early. as we were strangers
in London, and had some way to drive; SO
our dismay on discovering the lateness Of
the hour may be imagined.
We had not engaged a carriage to come
for US. knowing that a cab.stand WAS near
by, and that 4 cab would be much cheaper
than the snug broughams ladies usually se-
cure for evening use.
Out flew the little maid TO get us q cab,
and We hurried on our wraps. eager TO be
gone. But We waited aud waited, for Ma
ry Ann did not come, and We were begin
ming TO think something had happened to
her, when she came hurrying back TO say
that all the cabs were gone from the neigh.
boring stand, and she had to run TO anoth-
er, where. after some delay, she had secur-
ed Hanson.
Now it is not considered quite the thing
for ladies TO 90 about In Hanson-cabs with
out gentleman 10 accompany them. .espec-
tally In the evening but bein. independent
Americans, and Impatient TO relieve our
weary hostess of our presence. we said
nothing, bundled in gave the address-A
Colville Gardens, Dayswater.-anda away
We went.
dense fog had come on, and nothing
was visible but shor; bit Of muddy street,
and lamps looming dimly through the mist
Our driver was as husky as ifit had got
into his throat. and the big. white horse
looked absolutely ghostly as he went of at
the break-neck pace which seems As natur.
al 10 the London cab-horse as mud Is TO
London streets.
Isn't it fun to go rsttling round in this
all-out-ofdoors style through q real Lon
don fogf' said my sister,. who was now
enjoying her first visit to this surprising
city.
That remains to be seen. For my part,
I'd give good deal to be shut up dry and
decent. in four-wheeler. this is SO very
rowdy," l returned, feeling much secret
anxiety as to the propriety of our proceed
ing.
You are sure you gave the man the
right directionI" l asked, after we had
driven through what seemed a wilderness
OF crescents, terraces, gardens and squares
'Of course did and he said All right mum. !
Shall ask him if it is all right" said NJ,
who dearly liked TO poke up the little door
in the root. which was our only means OF
communication with the burly, breezy
cherub who sat up aloft to endanger the
life of his fare
You may, for We have ridden long
enough to 60 to St, Pauls.'
Up went the little door, and NJ. asked
blandly:-
Are you sure you are going right, driv-
er?r
mo, mum, ain't," was the cheering
response. breathed through the trap-door
Gas NJ. called it, in hoarse whisper.
~ told You where to 90, and it is time
we were there"
I'm new come to London, mum, and
| amt used to these parts yet" began the
man.
'Good gracious! SO are we and I'm sure
can't tell you anything more than the
name and number have already given.
You'd better ask the first policeman we
meet" cried l, with the foreboding fear
heavier than before.
"All right, num-" and down went the
little door, and OF ratified the cab.
My Irrepressibls sister burst out laugh.
ing at the absurdity of our position.
Don't laugh, NJ. for mercy's sake! It'i
| NO joke to be wandering about this great
city at eleven O'Clock at night, in q thick
log. with tipsy driver" croaked with q
warning pinch.
He isn't tipsy, only stupid, as We are
not to have engaged carriage to come
| for u.s.
"He is tipsy; smelt gin In his breath
and he is half asleep up there, I've nc
doubt, for we have passed one IL not two
policemen, I'm sure.''
| Nonsense! you wouldn't know youI
own father in this mist. Let Jarvey alone
and he will bring us safely home"
We shall see," answered, ,grimly, As {
splash OF mud liz upon my nSse, and th'
cab gave perilous lurch In cutting rounC
a sharp corner.
Did any one ever find policeman wheu
ne was wanted? never did, though they
are as thick as blackberries when they ar,
not needed.
On and On we went, but not . felt bel
met appeared; and never did escaping fu
gitive look more eagerly for the North Sta
than l did for q cleaning badge on . blu'
coat.
There's . station shall stop and ask
for I'm not going slamming and splashini
poked up the door with vigor that woul,
have startled the soundest sleeper.
LAY, ay. num-" came the wheezy whis
per, more wheezy than ever.
''St0p at this statiOn-house, and hal
some one. We must get home, aad 20
must ask the way"
"All right, num-" came back the hollo,
mockery conveyed in those exasperat,n
words.
We did stop, and star did appear, ,whs
l. with all the dignity could muster state
the case, aud asked for aid.
"Pieeseman K" gave II civil. but gres
" fear be did not believe that the muddy
faced woman with croaky voice, and Il