Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1879-10-30
THE LONG JOURNEY.
BY DEPOT CLOCK.

She came into the depot with her hands
full OF daisies, pure white daisies, that
fairly brought with them Whit Of the
fresh country air. A knot of them was
pinned at her throat, and garland of
them twined round the coquettish little
shutdown hat which only half hid sweet
tac1 that looked for all the world like a
daisy, too. A tall young man was with
her, and the two were laughing and talk
ing, seeming to enjoy themselves so
heartily that felt an envious thrill pass
over me.
TLey came and sat down just under
me, and I heard him whisper:
'Ettie, you are going away to be gone
four long weeks. Mind you don't forget
it.n
80, Harry, what an idea" and her sill
very laugh rang out.
"But, Ettie," he said, sadly, lido you
know that dread this partingG dream
ed last night that YOU had gone off on a
long journey never to come back again,
and was, o, so lonely"
The tender blue eyes dropped, ard a
deep blush dyeb her peach-colored
cheeks.
$50 you'd miss me, Harrya" she whis-
pered. I'm so glad, for I couldn't for
get you; no, not even in eternity"
God bless you for those words, Elite, "
he said, huskily.
Passengers for trains going north |"
shouted Simons, sticking his head in at
the depot door.
He snatched her travelling bag, and
they followed the crowd out. I looked
through the window, and, as he helped
her aboard the train, saw her smile
and hand him one of her daisies, which
he pinned carefully on the button-hole
OF his coat after the train was out of sight,
and then went away whistling a love tune.
1t came f1ashieg over the wires. -"Hor-
rible accldent9 Train going north collided
with the B. Express Send help!'
There was great CONSERVATION and
rushing to and fro. Anxious friends
gathered In Gro xds at the depot to re-
ceive the news from the scene of disaster
Some were weeping and wringing their
hands wildly. Some were Walking up
and down the platform impatiently, AMI
some were cOnversing together in low
tones. Conspicuous among them all
saw Harry's tall form. He was standing
silent and still, but with such look Of
agony on his honest face. knew he was
waiting to hear from Elite He still
wole the white daisy she had given him
1t hadn't begun to wlther yet.
How the hours dragged! felt just a!
if must go faster. skipped five min
utes and struck four. Then though
this won't bring them any quicker, anc
stopped dead still for the next five
At last I heard faint whistle.
"That's the fire bug" said Simons tt
the ticket agent who was standing near
I understood inst ntly it was the loco
motive that had been sent up. We shoult
soon know the worst. Harry heard tn
and shut his white lips closer together.
Slowly she came in, bearing her burden
of dead and wounded. saw them liftet
one ny one from the cars. l heard
sobs and grams of the friends, and tn
cries of joy when one came forth unhurt
Harry tried to force his way into tn
car.
"Stand back" said the official. "Yo,
cannot enter. Wait your turn"
HE drew back.
They lifted an old woman out; ant
them tried to cover my face with m
hands, but they would not shut out tn
sight-a stained white robe, a crushe
shutdown hat, with solid blue ribbon
and daisies at her breast-the pure dais
les that lifted their white heads towar
heaven that morning, now all covere
with blood, rcd with blood, and tn
sweet white daisy face silent and colo
Ho saw her.
30, Ettle" he shrieked, and rushe
forward. But though he kissed he
white lips again and again, though
held her limp little hands close in hi
own, though he called her all the swee
pet names she used to know and love
she never once needed. All! she ha
gone out on the long journey!