The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-10-27

was drawn to her. Little comfort as he
found for himself in the prospect before
| them, he tried to comfort her. Night
was falling, and it grew darker and dark
er in the old car, until they could see
each others faces no longer. Little Oak,
wearied out with weeping, grew silent at
last, and nestled closer to Jem's side.
He put his arm protectingly around her,
and so they rode on in the gloom.
After a time-it had seemed to Jem
| almost Observation-Disclosures came an eX-
ira jOlting and jarring and the train
stopped. He rushed to the door, and
knocked and beat upon it, shouting to
! be released; but no one came. Outside
was such a putting of steam, ringing of
bells, running to and fro, and so many
different calls, that amidst all the con-
fusion poor Jem's voice was unheard or
unheeded. Soon the train was in motion
! again; and he CROPPED his way back to
the little girl, disappointed and disheart-
ened. At various stopping places Jem
renewed his attempt, but with like re-
suit, and it seemed to him that they did
not stop often.
Must be jist skippin' by stations
widout any regard to EN-" he muttered
So the long night dragged on in roar
and rattle and darkness. Despite her
uncomfortable seat, and the fear and
inconsistencies that were pressing sore at
her heart, Oak, wearied out, grew sleepy
again, and her head rested more and
more heavily upon Jem's shoulder. He
inf O nil
for her use.
Jem kept watch beside her through
the long hours-the longest he had ever
known-and he murmured to himself
drearily that they "must have got to
some country where the nights have q
dale more lin'th to 'em than they does at
home" But the gray dawn came at last
without, and very slowly the increasing
light began to find its way into the old
car. 1t was still dark and gloomy there,
however, when once more the train
stopped. Jem sprang to his feet again
to make another effort to attract atten-
ton and obtain rele ase; but scarcely had
he reached the door when he heard key
turning in the lock, and in a moment the
door was thrown wide open, admitting
the first bright rays of the morning sun,
and also the astonished face Of the Off
clal, whose eyes opened wide with won
der as they fell upon Jem.
What on earth are you doing here?"
he demanded.
Waitin' for the door to open; an it's
been a long job intirely, SEEM I've been
all night at it," responded Jem.
And how came you locked in?"
"Sure you ought to know" Jem re-
torted, growing little belligerent as he
remembered his long Imprisonment.
" More'n likely twas yersilf as did the
lockin'w
81 locked the door, anyhow, and you
could not have got in afterward," an
swered the man, musingly-more as if
speaking to himself than to Jem "But
halo! little girl, too?" as Oak,
and looked toward them, "Well, you
are pretty freight! When did you get
into the car? and what did you do it
for?" he asked, sharply.
" An wasn't it standin' open on the
side-track at Kane Station?" said Jem,
" We just got in TO kape clare Vr UIo
rain"
Been drinking, probably" was the
questioner's first inward comment; but
a second keen glance at Jem's honest
face dispelled the suspicion. He looked
at Oak, and the child came forward.
We were going home from mill in
my grandpa's wagon" she said, and it
rained so we had to stop. Jem fastened
the horse and wagon under tree, and
we got into the car, and went to sleep.
l guess Jem did, too"
Il guess he did, indeed! A pretty
fellow he is to take care of little girls!
Well, come here, little one, and I'll help
you out"
care we gerry far from home?" asked
Oak, timidly, as she stood upon the
ground once more.
Considerable distance, if you live
anywhere near the place where you got
on the car. It's too bad, declare! Pm
sorry for your But as he looked from
one to the other he laughed.
"See here, Jem-that's your name, is
it?-have you any money!"
"Niver a cintm said Jem, independ-
emily. 1--WE have thraveled this far
widout it, an I'm thinkin' we must man
age to get back as chape."
81 wouldn't advise you to try going
back the same way you came; you might
not get off at the right station" said the
stranger, laughing again. The first
thing you want is something to eat. If
that poor little kitten has had nothing
since dinner yesterday, she must be hun
cry. Here" Slipping some money into
Jem's hand, and pointing to a building
acress the street,, "take this, and 60 to
that restaurant over there and get some
breakfast"
Jem obeyed with alacrity; and soon
Oak and himself were seated at a COM
fortably spread table, rejoicing in their
freedom, and finding out how hungry
they had been by the keen appetite now,
but too anxious to be jOurneying home
ward to tarry long even over warm rolls
and hot coffee. Breakfast was therefore
soon dispatched, and they recrossed the
street to the depot.
| Up and down the long platform they
walked, looking in every direction, but
| thew saw NOTHING of their stranger friend