Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-07-08
Eastward Bound.


wind, scudded across the sky. The hurry
and whirl Of the Illinois Metropolis were
left In the rear, rs the train over the Mich
igan Central, with its long line of beauti-
ful palace sleeping coaches, was drawn
swiftly along the shores of Lake Michigan.
For many miles the boundaries OF the
great sea lake were closely hugged. Huge
waves, driven before a fierce storm wind,
broke over the banks in white fury. One
succeeding another they rolled onward,
ending in burst of spray. Thus it con-
tinued until the train progressed into the
interior, and darkness shut out surround
] lg objects.
During the twilight sumptuous supper
was partaken of aboard the dining car.
Then nine O'Clock arrived and sleepiness
oppressed the eyes of travellers. / had
found il impossible to obtain lower berth
and could only secure one of those lofty
perches just beneath the car roof 1t
happened that only one other Of these
upper berths was occupied and that was
the one just next my own. At an early
hour young and pretty lady climbed
into this, while relative probably q
maiden aunt) rested her aged head upon
the couch below. About the same time
another young lady, who spoke with a
French accent, retired into the berth
Immediately beneath the one into which
intended TO mount. Unaccustomed as |
was TO such things, / wondered how
could climb into my high berth without
danger Of falling in upon the Mademoiselle
so quietly resting just beneath my own.
Imagine my relief, then, when the obliging
colored porter placed step ladder in the
aisle for my accommodation. / was not
long in clamberiIg up and in. All seemed
TO be right, until, glancing around, no.
ticed that the partition between the two
upper compartments did not extend quite
10 the top Of the car, and through the
space thus made could distinctly see the
curly head Of my fair neghbor. Ny sense
Of the ridiculousness OF the situation was
more distinctly impressed when l heard a
smothered scream issue from the young
lady, followed Immediately by request TO
her elderly relative below for duFter
and some other garments 10 hang over the
Objectionable hole. The cars, especially
the upper berths, were brightly illuminAt-
ed, and, modestly, kept my eyes averted
from the opening, and affected unconscious
ness Of the lady's CONSERVATION. Ventur-
ing soon TO glance around, I noticed that
the dustcr had been duly received, and the
aperture cffeciually closed Sleep that
night was but wakeful slumber, and at
last morning dawned. dared not descend
from my berth next morning until I was
sure that the Madcmoiselle below bad
arisen, as l would not risk the danger Of
falling into her arms. l, however, did
venture the following morning to in
terroga,e the curly haired Miss IL had
frightened her the night before, and re-
ceived for a reply, in hesitating tones, "Oh,
no; not much,'
Breakfast on the rail the next morning
was equal TO supper the night before, in
clu1ing spring chicken, straw berrics, ice
cream and all the delicacies Of the season
then ! commenced 10 study the country.
Long ago we had crossed the Detroit river
and entered Queen Nictorias dominions
The geographical division is the only diyid-
ing line, however, between the American
and British provinces, as the general fea-
lures Of the land are in every respect the
same, as those of the Northern States.
The names of the principal stations along
the route are also familiar to the traveller
from almost every cline. as London, Paris.
1ngersoll, Princeton and Harrisburg were
passed before the train arrived at Suspen.
sion Bridge, which is on the New York
boundary. Many lovely wild flowers
among them the large scarlet lily-grew
in the fields on either side.
Over that wonderful piece of architecture
the Suspension Bridge-which spans the
green waters of Niagara river, entered
New York and caught glorious view of
the Falls. A great green river falling in
hues of green and silver into sea of spray,
and then flowing off mere intensely green
than ever, is what it seemed TO me. No
one can describe it, and in this connection
l am pleased to copy the words of an
English writer of vivid imagination and
consummate command of language, who
thus painted the impression this American
wonder left upon his cultivated mind "I
think in every quiet season now still do
those waters roll and leap and roll and
tumble all day long still are the rainbows
snanninU fhan, hupds.Js or r..