Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-04-13
The Three TravellIng-Bag

There were three of them. all of shin
ing backbone on the top of the pile Of
trunks, one ON the ground, and one in
the owners hand-all going to Philadel-
phia, all waiting to be checked.
The last bell rang. The baggage man
hustled. fuming from ens pile of bag.
gage to another, dispensing chalk tl
trunks. checks 10 the passengers, and
curses to porters, in approved railway
style.
philadelphia" cried stout
military looking man with enormous
whisb ers and red face, crowding for
ward as the baggage man laid his hand
on the travelling-bag.
Wont you please give me q check
fo- this now?" entreated pale, slender,
carefully dressed young man. for the
ninth time, holding opt bag No. 2; II
have lady to look after.U
"Sayi be you going 10 give me check
for this ere or not?" growled the pro-
prietor of bag No. 2, a short, pox.mark-
ed fellow in shabby overcoat.
"All right. gentlemen. Here you
are," says the functionary, rapidly dis
tribut:ng checks.
"Philadelphia. this 2"
"Yes. sir-l,092. LAO, 1000. All
right"
And the train moved slowly out of the
station.
The baggage man meditatively watch
ed it as it sped away in the distance, and
then, as if thought suddenly struck
him, slapped his thigh and exclaimed :
"Blest ii don't believe"
"What?" inquired the watchman.
"That I've gone and gave them three
last fellows the wrong checks. The cuss-
ed little black fellows are all alike, Rnd
bothered me-"
Telegraph" said the switchman.
"Never you mind" replied the bag
gage. man. "They was all going to Phil
sdelphia. They will fnd out when they
get there"
They did.
The scene shifts to the Continental
Hotel, Philadelphia. Front parlor up
stairs. Occupants. the young gentleman
alluded to as No 2 and lady. In accor-
dance with the fast usages of the times,
the twain had been nGde one in matri
monv at 7:3O A. M, duly kissed anC
congratulated till s:45, and deposited
bsg and baggage, at the Continental al
1853. !.
They were seated on the sofa. the black
broadclOth coat sleeve encircling the
slender waist of the gray travelling
dress. and the jetty moustache in equal
~ affectionate proximity to the glossy
curls.
Are you tired, dearest ?"
mo, love. not much. But you are
aren't you"
s.No darlin1U
"Don't it seem funny ?" said the lady
"What, love?"
"That we should DO married."
Eyes, darling"
won't they be glad to see US al
George's?"
"Of course they will"
"I'm sure / shall enjoy it so much.-
Shall we get there to-night?"
"Yes, love, If"
Rap, rap, rap. at the door.
A hasty separation took place between
man and wife to opposite ends OF tht
sofa then, "Come in"
"An' ye please, sur, it's an M. P. is
waiting to see yez."
ITO see me-a policeman ?"
"Yes sir"
"There must be some mistake"
mo. sur; it's yourself, and he's wait
ing in the hall beyant."
swell. I'll 60 to-no, tell him to come
heren
"Sorry to disturb you, sir" said the
M. P, with q large brass star on Dis
breast, appearing with great alacrity q
the walters elbow. II believe tbs II
your black valise?"
Eyes, that is ours, certainly. Its Ju'
lia's; the lady's things are in It
'Suspicious circumsts noes about ina
valise, sir. Telegraph came tnis morn,
ing that a burglar started on tne o:4s
Philadelphia train with lot OF slivel
spoons in black yalise. Spoons marx.
ed T. B.; watched at the ferry; followed