Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-12-16
An Awkward Mistake.

Now. Tom don't forget to bring my wa.
| terproof down TO the station, If the weather
is damp OF rainy. shall come up by the
eight O'clock train.
looked up from my books at the speak.
er, my sister Lottie.
''N cry well, my dear, Ireplied, submis
sively; suppose must come; but, really,
if you young ladies learned to be a little
more self-reliant IL these small alters, il
would be better"
"If weren't sure that you said that tC
aggravate me, TOm," retorted my sister.
''you shouldn't come nj all. Some day
you'll be glad enough To carry bag, cloak,
| and umbrella for some fair damsel OF other
and won't tease you then!'
"You do that pretty we'll now | ven.
tured to observe. "But excuse me. Lottie,
you'll certainly lose your handkerchief il
| you let it hang out of your pocket Ike that;
70. Lotties dress was of the most fashiona.
| Dle description, and the pockets were Ger.
| talnly more for ornament than use,
II haven't lost it yet, Tom" was the re-
plEand I'm not more likely 10 lose it now.
Miss Lottie disappeared, and Invent back
| TO my books.
Absorbed by my occupation, the time
passed uunoticed, till the chime Of distant
clock reminded me of my engagement.
"Half-past SIX, | suppose" | muttered,
and was resuming my work, when 1t occur
led to me 10 make sure
looked at my watch. Could it be cor
rect2 Haif-past sevenl No doubt of 1t, and
had only just time to reach the station.
But stay; what was the weather.
walked TO the window, devOutly hoping
| as drew aside the curtain to see clear,
dry night. Vain hope! The clouds were
gathering, and there was damp, chill mist
perceptible.
dropped the curtain with a sigh, hastily
put away my books, took up Lottie's water
proof from the chair on which she had
placed it, and stepping INTO the hall, put on
loose, rough overcoat and soft felt hat that
| often wore after dark, and thus equipped,
sailed forth.
Eight O'Clock struck as I arrived, and
saw, close q! hand, a young lady, evidently
my sister L title, standing at the edge of The
road.
''Ah!" said to myself, ''the train was
ing for me-"
was just about to speak to her, when q
| sudden thought flashed into my mind. As
she stood, her back was toward me, and
her white handkerchief was plainly visible
hanging over the edge of her pocket.
remembered my caution to her before
she started, and exulted at the opportunity
of convincing her of its wisdom.
First taking another look at the uncon-
sclous damsel to be sure of her identity,
stepped quietly forward, and taking hold OF
the handkerchief, gently drew it forth.
| AS did So, something fell to the pave
mcnt with a sharp metal sound. This star.
, tied the young lady, and she turned with 8
| slight exclamation.
Good heavens. it was perfect stranger!
For q moment | was speechless; then, re-
covering myself a little, was about to STAN.
mer forth an apology, when heavy hand
was laid on my shoulder, and gruf voice
said:
''Now, my man, you're caught this time,
and no mistake!'
And looking rolnd, saw policeman al
my SIDE.
This unexpected salutatiOn gave sudden
turn to my feelings
''What do you lhean? How dare you2"
exclaimed, Indignantly, while the lady
looked from one TO another in amazement.
Come, now," responded the unmoveC
official, chats good, that Isl Why, I've
been watching you all the time. You come
up unbeknown to the lady, take her hand,
kerchief, and-Why, there's her purse al
your feet now!"
And as he spoke. he pointed to dara
object upon the pavement.
| 1t was purse, sure enough, and / must
have pulled it out with the handkerchief.
''Pick it up, please, miss, and per ap;
you'll be so good as to accompany us to the
station."
While he was speaking, / gathered TO-
getder my scattered senses
II assure yon, policeman, you are entire
| ly mistaken" | said, as calmly as | could
which was not very calmly, as number o.
persons had by this time collected, and ap
peared to be highly enjoying my discomf
ture.
INV name ls Henderson--Thomas Hen
derson; came TO the station to meet my
sister: | mistOok this lady for her, and, il
a joke, took her handkerchief. Stay;
will give you my card. "
And put my hand into my coat-pocke
for my card-case. 1t was not there.
Then remembered that | lad left |
with my pocketbook on the hall table, ant
| had thus no means of proving my state
ment.
81 thought so remarked the official, il
tone Of intense sarcasm. ''Per'aps you
sisters got it, mindin' it for you"
At this juncture the stranger interposed
She had, no doubt, noticed the unfortunat
waterproof which [ still clutched, though
had entirely forgotten 1t.
"This''-she hesitated mOment-''thi
gentleman is carrying lsdy's clock, ant
he surely would not do so if he" Sh
stopped short.
''If he had meant to take your property,
said the policeman, completing his sen
tence. 'Lor' bless you, miss, you've n
idea of the lodges OF these chaps"
For moment the wild thought fashe
across my mind of tripping him up and thu
escaping, If could, but dismissed 1t a
soon as formed. Recaptured was highl
probable, and the attempt would only Civ
u color to the accusation.
So, swallowing my wrath as best could
and subsiding into Sullen silence, Wake
by the side of my caPtor, and followed b.