The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-12-14
An Awkward Mistake.

tcIProol uoWn 10 the station, II the weather
is damp or rainy. | shall come up by the
eight o'clock train.
looked up from my books at the speak
er, my sister Loltie.
very well, my DEAR" replied, submits
aVely; suppose L must come; but, really,
II you young ladies learned to be a little
more self-reliant III these small matters it
would be 6etter.'
'lf weren't sure that you said that to
aggravate me, Tom," rctortcd my sister.
you shouldn't come at all. Some daJ
you'll be glad enough to carry bag, cloak,
anu umbrella for some fair damsel or other,
anu won't tease you tllenl"
you 40 that pretty well now" l ven
turcd to observe. 'But excuse me, Lottie,
you'll certainly lose your handkerchief if
you let it hang out of your pocket ike that"
tor lIottles dress was of the most fashiona-
bic description, and the pockets were GER
talnly more for ornament than use,
II haven't lost it yet, Tom." was the re-
ply,and Pm not more likely to lose it now.
Miss Lotto disappeared, and went back
to my books
Absorbed by my occupation, the time
passed unnoticcd, til! the chime of a distant
clock reminded me of my engagement.
"lialf-past six, l suppose" muttcred,
and was rcsuming my work, when 1t occur
led to NE to make sure.
looked at my watch. Could it be cor
rect? Haif-past sevcnl No doubt of 1t, and
had only just time TO reach the station.
But stay; what was the weather.
walked to the window, dcvoutIy hoping
as drew aside the curtain to sec a clear.
dry night. Vain hope! The clouds were
gathering, and there was damp, chill mist
perceptiblc.
dropped the curtain with sigh, hastily
put away my books, took up Lotlic's water
proof from the CHAIR Oh which she had
placed it, and stepping INTO the hall, put on
loose, rough ovcrcoat and soft felt hat that
L often wore after dark, and thus equipped,
sailed forth.
Eight O'Clock struck as I arrived, and l
saw, close at hand, young lady, evidently
my sister l. tile, standing ut tho edge Of the
road.
''Ah!' said to myself, s'lhc train was
in little earlier, and Miss Lotlic is look
ing for me-"
was just aboucto speak to her, when
sudden thought flashed into my mind. AS
she stood, her back was toward nc, 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 it's wisdom.
First taking another look at the uncon-
sclous damscl to be sure of her identity, |
stepped quietly forward, and taking hold of
the handkerchief, gently drew it forth.
AS did 80, something fell to the pave
mcnt with sharp metal sound. This STAR
tied the young lady, and she turned with a
slight exclamation.
Good heavens. it was 8 perfect stranger!
For a moment was spccchlcss; then, re-
covering myself little, was about to stam-
mcr forth an apology, when heavy hand
was laid on my shoulder, and a grutf voice
SAID:
''Now, my man, you're caught thia time,
and no mistake!"
And looking round, I saw a.policcman at
my slde
This unexpected salutation gave sudden
turn to my feelings.
''What do you hean? How dare you2" I
exclaimed, Indignantly, while the lady
looked from one to another in amazement.
"Comc, now," responded the unmoved
official, "that's good, that is! Why, I've
been watching you all the time. You come
up unbeknown to the lady, take her hand.
kcrchief, and---Why, there's her purse at
your feet now!"
And rs he spoke, he pointed to dark
object upon the pavement.
1t was purse, sure enough, and I must
have pulled 1t out with the handkerchief.
''Pick it up, please, miss, and per'aps
you'll be SO good as TO accompany us to the
station"
While he was speaking, gathered to-
gctder my scattered senses.
81 assure yon, policeman, you are entire
ly Mistaken" said, as calmly rs could,
which was not very calmly, rs number of
persons had by this time collected, and ap-
pcared to be highly enjoying my discomti-
ture.
''Aly name ls uendcrson-Thomas Hen
dcrson; came to The station to meet my
sister, [ mistook this lady for her, and, in
joke, took her handkerchief. Stay;
will give you my card"
And put my hand into my coat-pocket
for my card-casc. 1t was not there.
Then remembered that | Ead left it
with my pocketbook on the hall table, and
had thus no means of proving my state
mcnt.
81 thought SO, remarked tho official, in
tone of intense sarcasm. "Pcr'aps your
sisters got it, mindin it for YOU"
At this jnncture the stranger intcrpOsed.
She had, no doubt, noticed the unfortunate c
waterproof which still clutched, though l
had entirely forgotten 1t.
"rhis''-sh hcsitated q moment-"this
gentleman Is carrying lady's clock, and
he surely would not do so If he She
stopped short.
''lf he had meant to take your property"
said the policeman, completing his sem
tcncc. "I,or' bless you, miss, you've no
idea of the lodges OF these chaps"
For moment the wild thought flashed
across my mind of tripping him up and thus
escaping, If could, but dismissed 1t as
soon as formed. Rccapturcd was highly
probable, and the attempt would only give
u color to the accusation.
SO, swallowing my wrath as best could,
and subsiding into sullen silence, walked
by the side of my captor, and followed by
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