The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1877-08-03

gust of the office boy who had it to de-
liver, and who brought it back, late in
the afternoon, with the news that Mr.,
Popkins was not in town. No; he was
staring at every woman who set foot on
the Berlin platform. In vain. Heard
it said that the ''Spread Eagle" got off
in the course of an hour or so, and was
then on her way to Hartford. Fortu-
nately, in Johns opinion, the northern
train passed in a few moments; he will
yet be in time. So he is-to see his
wife's enormous trunks delivered at the
door by the eXpressman engaged in the
morning to seize and bear away all lug
gage labeled POpkins, and who has tri-
umphantly done the same. Then his
mother thrusted the telegram into his
hands. His eyes and brain collected its
meaning. He perceived that few mo-
ments only are left in which to catch
the last train. Jumped into the ex-
pressman's cart and was driven like mad
to the station.
Mrs. Popkins having awaited the ar
rival of the Hartford train and the ap-
pearance of her lord, was sure "some-
thing dreadfup' had happened to him
when time went by and Popkins did
not come. There was not even a mes
sage for her at the telegraph office,
whittier she wended a second time. She
rashly resolved on proceeding to Hart
| ford, and seeking her own fortune.
| Was very surprised at seeing at the
railroad depot the same mustached un-
known. He came forward to offer his
! services, with the lOftiest air of distant
respect. The truth was, Mollie had so
helpless way of acting, and possessed
such a sweet baby face, that it seem ed
the duty of some man to take care of
| her, and this one had not been able to
divest himself of the wish to see her
safely to the end of her journey. 1t
/ naturally happened that he helped her
out Of the cars on reaching Hartford,
and procured her carriage.
add to your kindness,n begged
MOllie, "and direct me to a good hotel,
for 1 am perfect stranger here"
About the time she was driving
through Hartford streets, the wretched
John was being informed at the hotel in
Middletown of the departure of Mrs.
POpkins for Hartford. He had passed
her on the road! Driven reckless, he
turned out the most desperate side of
his character. Bought a pint of pea
nuts in dismal newspaper store, where
he also observed few ancient pies pet
rifying in the windows, accompanied by
large yellow cubes of sponge cake.
Stuffing the peanuts into his pockets,
be walked down the broad main street
of the city, and there began to eat his
purchase, and throw down the husks
! thereof. 1t was now dusk. He counted
nineteen young women going to some
evening meeting. Saw two men shut
! ting up store. Afterward observed a
crowd of seven in front of the post office.
In these exciting scenes he wore away
the time, until the hour for leaving ap-
! preached. Performed a slow march TO
the station, where the hustle of depart
ure was represented by cart and horse
! backed to the side door of the building,
and small ragamuffins putting pins upon
! the track to be t1attened into swords.
! The silence appalled, John. A tall, lank
man, arrayed in shirt and pantaloons.
unlocking the door of a small hole.
Was breathlessly questioned by the
! traveller.
"Train leave? Eight minutes,u re-
sponded shirt-sleeves, pointedly, and
! buries himself in the hole. And now
the ticket window is thrown up with a
loud squeak, few people appeared, an
engine leisurely entered the depot and
attached itself to car. Some one gave
the wheels a ringing bang, somebody
else remarked, "All aboard" and the
stirring city of Middletown was left be-
hind. All wearied out, John re-entered
his home, and perceived Sam sitting at
Widespread table, eating what he calls a
heavy tea, and relating his adventures
TO his admiring family.
'Holloa, JOhn!' cried he; "where to
next, my boy?"
Hasn't Mollie come yet?" gasped
his brother.
Lost your Mollie? Capital joke"
said the unfeeling man, taking great
swallow of coffee.
''She is somewhere in Hartford - re-
turned John, grimly. ''Tll go to every
house in town"
"Wait bit. Sit down and eat some
SUPPER" returned Sam, eomposedIv.
''Ihen pll help you. Be calm. We
must learn to regard these matters
philOsophically."
''PhilosOphicallyr began John, an
grily, but swallowed the rest of the SEN
tence with a bite of hot buttered muffin.
Then he discovered how hungry he was;
for since breakfast he had eaten moth
ing but the peanuts.
81 came up in the Spread Eagle N.Y.
self" said Sam, "but didn't see Mrs.
Popkins, not expecting the pleasure,
you know. Besides, was occupied
with a forloTn little miss going to board
| ing-school, or something of the sort. By
George, what a smile she had and such
a jolly little hand. She was in a terri
ble state of mind. Expected somebody
to meet her who didn't. l made myself
as useful as possible, but didn't dare do
too much. Tll see her again, though.
But what is the use ?'' and he ended
with a sigh, thinking of China.
A little after 9 o'clock there came a
rap at the door of No. 46 - House,
rOusing AIollie from distressed doze,
and after it John Popkins victorious.
MY brother is waiting for u.s." said
John; "he is very impatient to see
you (?). Come, Mollie."
Then Sam sees John proudly ap-
preaching with little creature clinging
to his arm.
"Ihis is my brother SAM" introduc-
ing Mollie's polite acquaintance of the
morning. "And this" with ill-cop-
cealed satisfaction, sis Mrs. Popkins."
On which the elder brother, for the
first time IN his life, lost countenance,
blundered in his greeting, but finally
recovered himself with a desperate at
tempt at festive welcome:
Long live Mr.. and Mrs. Popkinsp,
AGENTS FOR THE NEW NORTHWEST.