Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-03-09
A LUCKY SLIP,

A LUCKY SLIP.
1t was about II o'clock on a dark
cold February night; the rain had
been pouring down steadily for sew
eral days. One could hardly imagine
Il more bleak, desolate station than
Elmwood ON that night. with one
lamp making darkness visible. the
platform an iuch deep in rain, and a
sleepy station master and porter Civ
ing the only indications of life.
Mr.. Hugh Lambert. as he got ont
Of the tram and went to look after
his luggage. felt very thankful that
ne had only mile to drive before
reaching home. He was a man of
about forty. old for his Years, and
slightly gray: in figure he was tall
and well made, and bis face had an
expression of cleverness.
As Il rule, few passengers aliShted
at Elmwood by that late train; but
ON this night there were two besides
Hugh Lambert-a young girl and her
maid, with goodly pile of luggage.
Hugh was wondering little as to
where they could be going, when he
heard the girl ask the station master
if there was carriage waiting from
Mrs. Newton, of Priarton.
"Why. the road has bin blocked
since 6 o'clock, Miss. There's bin a
big land-slip, and they're working all
night to get it cleared. l don't think
yoa'll get to Priarton this week, what
with the slip and the floods
'What am L to do?" exclaimed the
girl, with face of blank despair.
rs there no other road to get to
Priarione'
Hugh Lambert was listening with
some interest. Mrs Newton was his
nearest neighbor and a great friend
of his: this must be her niece. of
whom he had often heard He APP
preached the lady and raised his hat
courteously.
Il am sorry to say there is no other
road to PriartOn, nor is there any
way of getting there to night. [
heard Of the landslide only about an
hour ago and know that the road is
completely blocked"
What can do?" the g;rl asked
again. rs there any inn here, or
must I take the next train back to the
nearest town?"
1.-The last train is gone an hour;
and there hain't no inn inthe country
side save publics' this from the
porter.
"You must let me arrange this mat
ter for you," said Hugh Lambert. Il
think l must be speaking to Mrs.
Newton's niece. Miss Nayton''
You have guessed rightly and
Dorothy Nayton looked up eagerly,
delighted to find some one to whom
she was known, if only by name
She was a bright little body. pleas
ant looking, though she could not lay
claim to any great beauty--a brunette
with clear olive complexion, dark
eyes, and a straight nose. She had
crossed from Ireland that afternoon,
she told her new acquaintance; and
so of course her aunt might not have
expected her to arrive SO early.
''You must let me take care of youi"
Lambert said. My place is close by.
I will take you there and send mes
sage to your aunt as soon as possible
to let her know that you are safe
Just at that minute a horse was
heard galloping up tho dark road
and presently man camo hurrying
into the station.
rs there young lady here for
Priarton?' he asked.
Dorothy went forward eagerly
If you please, Miss, here's note
from Mrs. Newton. I have been four
hours getting here; I had to ride
twelve miles around, for the road is
blocked and the floods are out. r
had to get boat at the low meadows
and borrow another horse ON this
side, and that has delayed me in get
ting here"
Hardly waiting to listen to this e1-
planation from the old coachman,
Dorothy tore open the note and read /:
MY DEAREST CHILD: l am in
great distress. The road between
here and the station has been blocked
by tremendous landslip, so it is i'm
possible to send the carriage to meet
you. l have, therefore, forwarded a
note to my great friend, Hugh Lam
bert, asking him to send for you and
give You and your maid shelter for
the night, till we see what is to be
done. He is the only neighbor on
that side of the landslip, and is so
charming that you need not mind 60
ing to him; it is, indeed, the only
thing to be done.
In great haste, your loving aunt,
MARY NEWTON"
I The coachman had also given Hugh
Lambert note.
Il was to have left it at Leyton.
sir" he said; "but 1 heard you was
coming by this train"
Lambert glanced at the contents,
and then turned to Dorothy:
Your aunt has kindly trusted you
to me; SO now you won't mind accom-
panylng me home, will you!" he
asked.
II think it is you who ought to
mind, was Dorothy's answer. II am