The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-10-10
OUR STORY TELLER.
A RAILWAY ADVENTURE.

A RAILWAY ADVENTURE.
The hour grew late, and Mr.. Brand
paced his chamber in moody silence.
The train had come in, but his messen-
ger had not returned, and the merchant
was troubled--troubled by a vague sort
Of doubt, which haunted him in spite
Of his faith in Lake. A staid, sober old
trader, of long experience, had said that
Lake was too young TO fill the impor-
tant position which he held, but Mr..
Brown had never found his trust in Tom
misplaced.
Having heard rumors concerning
house with which he had extensive deal
ings, the merchant had dispatched Lake
TO London, telling him to make inqui-
ries, and iu any case 10 get the partners
Of the firm in question 10 settle their
account.
so Lake had gone from Liverpool to
London. The time appointed for his
return passed, and still he did not come.
lady entered, and stole to the mer-
chants side. Her own sweet face was
anxious, and there was tremor in the
music Of her voice, as she said:
DO you think he will be here to-
night, dear papaW
II hope 80, Mary; but it is very
late"
"Is there no other tramp
"Only the night express, and that
does not stop except at the central sta
tions."
perhaps he will come, papa; he
would not mind coming ten miles, even
il he had to walk"
He should not have missed the
train" said Mr.. Brand, sternly; "punc-
tuality is an imperative duty with men
of business"
"But, papa, something may have hap
pened TO detain him."
Nothing should detain man who
Das given Ills word.
The fair pleader was silenced; her
father was angry, and, knowing his
strictness of principle, and how invet.
crate was his dislike to any breach of
discipline, she did not venture to speak
again.
The time dragged slowly on; Mr..
Brand continued his restless walk, and
Mary sat subdued and quiet, watching
him. She saw that he was listening as
the night express went whirling by, and
from the depths of her heart there went
up a prayer that Lake would come safely
home. The girl loved him, would have
staked her life on his truth, and knew
that he was not beyond his time through
any weakness or wrong.
Two slow, weary hours passed. Mr.
Brand was reading the commercial news
but for the first time in his life it die
not interest him. He was thinking o.
the young clerk, and the heavy sum o.
money that would be in his possession
should the London firm have paid him
And Mary, reading her fathers counte
nance, felt chilled and panied by tn,
slur cast on her lovers honesty by hi
suspicious; her every thought was
denial 10 his doubts, and, as the rapic
clatter of horses feet rang out, she raj
10 the window.
"Look !" she said, dashing the curtain
aside with eager hands; look, papa;
said he would come-I knew he would.
The merchants stern face relaxe,
with smile of pleasure; he was no
emotional or demonstrative, but hi
daughters gladness pleased him.
There we're few moments of expec
fancy, and then Tom Lake came in. II
went straight TO Mr.. Brand, only nc
ti;ing, with bow, the lovely face who's
glance thrilled his soul.
"They have paid" he said, quietly
as he put thick pocket-book in th
merchants hand "but think we wer
only Just in time"
"IndeedW
"There was consultation at th
bankers before could get cash for tn
check"
Do you think they will breakw
Hopelessly. They have given me a
immense order, but it would not be wis
TO forward the goods"
"You did not hint that we had th
slightest fearp
No, but was glad to get the money
G12,000 would have been heavy loss.
1t would have done me serious il
jury just now."
"And yet" said Tom, gravely, eth
morning the odds were considerabl
against IL ever reaching you."
"HowW
Tom took two chairs, placed them sic
by side near the fire, led Mary TO on
and seated himself in the other. Z
had done his duty as the merchant
clerk, and was now Mr.. Brands prospe
tive son-in-law and partner.
al had an adventure" he said; "
was the hero Of strange story in a rit
by express"
Mary bent forward TO listen. To
clasped her hand in his own. Mr.. Brar
sat opposite them, interested by Il
speakers manner, as he began:
When got the check had an i'd
that all might not be well, so to maj
sure, j presented il to the banker
There was, as / told you, a consulate
before they cashed it, and, while Il
consultation was going forward, / n
ticed stranger looking at me intentl
4 knew the man in my younger al
wilder days. l had met him often
the race-course, in the billiard-roon
and in other places more or less respe
table. Now, he was changing che
Tor some petty amount, and was g,
IDENTIFY astonished by the immensity
the order | had presented 1 left 4
oank with my pocket-book full of not.
and found / had lost the train. T.
next would be the night express. so
strolled into billiard-room. There W
some clever play going ON, and sto
watching the players till some one ch,
lenged me to have a game. If / ha
one special vanity it is NY science wi