West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-02-21
Through The Tunnel.

1t was bright, clear, cold morning In
early December When Kaithie entered
the car there was scarcely vacant seat to
be seen. ~ To be sure there was one stout
old gentleman sitting alone, but he was
next to the aisle and seemed so deeply alb
sorbed in thought that Kathie disliked TO
disturb him. Then there was middle
aged woman, but she had numberless wraps
and parcels in the seat beside her, and her
appearance, take her all in all, was so for
budding as she looked fiNedly out of the
window, that Kathie passed her by. There
was but one more seat unoccupied. II was
beside gentleman who sat close to the
window reading paper.
''ls this seat engagedi" asked Kathie
with timid hesitancy.
''lt is not, was the answer In pleasant
tone; "but,' springing up as he spoke,
wonld you prefer the seat by the win
dowf"
''oh, no. Thank you! Not at alllu
murmurcd Kathie, and she sat down beside
him
The gentleman turned his attention again
10 his paper, and Kathie Immediately fell
TO wish ng that she had taken the seat by
the window. For the gentleman sat at her
right hand, and her purse was in her cloak
pocket, and had not Aunt Kate warned her
over and over again to be on her guard
against pickpockets, and had declared that
they were quite as likely TO be young,
agreeable and polite as the reversed And
was not this person all three? Kathie stole
shy glance at him. His dark eyes were
intently fixed on his newspaper. He was
fine looking and well dressed, and to all in
tents quite oblivious of her existence.
kathie wondered demurely what sort of an
expression his face would wear if he knew
that any one thought that he might perhaps
be piclkpocket.
She might take her purse and hold it in
her hand, but that would seem ostentatious
and tiresome ', moreover there would be
ample time for that when the gentleman
he looked like gentleman certainly-should
put down his paper and Kathie could no
longer watch his hands.
Then Kathies thoughts slipped into
more agreeable channel She thought of
the Christmas gifts she was going to buy,
and of the other shopping she was going TO
do. 1t was her first trip TO Boston quite
alone. Aunt Kate had always been with
her before, to take care of her and help her
to select Christmas gifts, bnt this year Aunt
Rates rheumatism was so much worse than
usual that she did not hope to lie equal to
trip to Boston for the winter; and as it
was already nearing Christmas, there was
nothing TO be done but to let Kathie 90
alone. And 80 II came about that Kathie.
feeling quite old and responsible, was on
her way, this bright December morning, to
the city. She mentally planned her DAYS
work, and portioned out her money for the
various things she was intending to buy.
There was the book for her Sunday school
teacher the shell comb for Aunt Kate the
engraving for cousin viii, that must be
especially fine and nicely framed, since It
was to do double duty as Christmas and
wedding gift. Should il be copy of some
celebrated old picture, or some attractive
group, full of modern life and interest &?
While Kathie was trying TO decide this
question, and was reviewing with her minds
eyes, aHdhe finest and most beautiful en-
cravings that she had ever seen, the train
swept into the tunnel
As il grew dark the gentleman beside her
put down his paper, turning slightly to-
wards Kathie as he did So And then
Kathie was sure she felt stealthly motion
towards her cloak pocket. Quick as thought
her hand went down to seize her purse.
when--oh, horrors there was the mans
hand in her pocket Kathie did not with
draw her hand on the contrary, being re-
solved to protect her property at all hazards,
she felt about with her fingers as we'll as
she could for her purse, but could not find
1t. IL was already gone. Then Katme
seized the intruding hand with the firmness
Of desperation, fully determined to make
an alarm as soon as the cars emerged into
daylight again. IL ho did not have the
purse in his hand, there at least was his
hand in her pocket, and some Of the pas
r,t..I 4. 4
restored. Fortunately her purse had her
name printed on the inside. How long
the minutes seemed before the train came
out into light Then Kathie still grasping
firmly the mans hand looked up and down
the aisle, with sparkling eyes and flushed
check, for the conductor.
~ beg your pardon, said her captive in
low tone that Kathie could scarcely catch
the words, "bnt hare yOu not g,i0cie n
Wfstdke fn The pocketP"
Kath Q gave ono swift glance. Good
heavens Her hand was I'm his pocket
II she had touched burning coal she could
not have relinquished her hold and with
drawn her hand more promptly. She was
overcome with confusion She ventured
one deprecatOry glance at the gentleman.
Ills expressive face wore mischievOus
smile
Il thoug began Kathie tremulously,
but she could get no further. The revul-
SION Of feeling was too great. The bright
ness OF her eyes was suddenly queDched by
gathering tears, and her lip qmvered omin.
Ously
'Ihst u was your pocket, Of course. I"
said the gentleman, completing her sen
tsnee u understand perfectly. Pray do