Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1885-11-26

Philadelphia was comparatively empty
when the train pulled out of Harris.
burg. after stopping the usual twenty
minutes for dinner. The three drum
mers had retired TO the smoking room
for post-prandial cigar, and the only
other occupants OF the car were a
young lady and Il gentleman.
She was about 20, blonde. with
little rings of soft hair falling over a
White forehead from beneath the turned
up brim OF jaunty straw hat. Her
nose was what Tennyson calls tip
tilted. Her laughing blue eyes re-
belled against the otherwise demure
expression OF her face, and the slightly
parted lips revealed Il glimpse of pearl
ike teeth which one could never asso-
clate with dentists chair.
The young man on the other side of
the aisle, immediately opposite, evil
IDENTIFY appreciated the points OF excel
lence in his fellow traveller. He held a
book in his hand. but was not SO alb
sorbcd in it that he did not cast many
a covert glance ut the pretty face half
turned toward the window in admira-
ton OF the scene. He was a bright
young fellow, with n dark mustache,
and II silk travelling cap thrown care
lessly on the back of his head. In the
seat by his side was small sachel.
which ne had never let out OF his sight
since leaving Philadelphia, and upon
when he rested his hand most of the
time. 1t was easy TO see that he was
travelling on business, and that he was
used to 1t. tie was as much at home
In the swinging-cAair as if he owned
the car and all its appurtenances, and
he commanded the services OF the col
ored porter in the ofl-hand manner
characteristic of your experienced
traveller.
wonder what makes my fair neigh
Cor so iidgcty?' he was saying to him.
self. Seems to me something is
troubling her. she looks awfuliy wor-
ricd. Not used TO travelling alone, |
guess. May be she thinks there is
danger 0. our being attacked by train
roOpers or Indians, or something of
that sort. Sne does not look like a
tool, though. 1here is good dead OF
Intelligence in that face.
The lady had been feeling in her
pocket ANA had closely examined the
contents OF her haud-sachCi, DRAWING
iuercirom q handkerchief, vinai-
grcitc, pair OF gloves, bundle of
paper patterns, some crochet work.
and q few crumUs OF cake. The last
she put IN her mouth in an absent
minded way. signing heavily as she re-
placed TUG other articles. Then she
lrlcd 10 raise The wiudow. In an IN
slant the young man was at her side,
rendering his assistance. She thanked
him with Il glance Of her blue eyes.
Eat what time shall we be at Al
toonaP" she asked. in a low, sweet
voice, in perfect keeping with her APP
pearance.
about Z o'clock. We are little
behind time"
1--WE shall pass Horseshoe bend by
daylight, shall we not?n
Yes. just about shutdown. You
have seen ii before, of coursepn he in
terrogated.
mo. have passed it several times,
but always in the dark. Papa prefers
travelling at night. to save time. am
making the journey by myself this
time, and it is the first opportunity |
have had to enjoy the scenery"
Altoona! Twenty minutes for sup
peri"
The young man hastily seized his
sachel and left the car, telling the
porter, as he passed him, to see if the
lady wanted anything. But she did
not. She told the porter rather short
~ that she did not want any supper.
and then. as soon as the man had
disappeared, burst into tears. When
the young man returned in about iif-
teen minutes, with a stray crumb on
his mustache and an aroma of coffee
clinging to his clothes, he noticed that
his travelling companions eyes were
red, and that she looked generally dis
consulate.
docs not like travelling by herself,
and feels lonely" was his inward COM
meut, as he settled himself in his seat,
after placing his sachc by his side,
and throwing paper bag of cakes
down with ii.
The train started. and the young
man gradually let his book drop on his
lap. rs his head sank back, his ewes
closed, and his mouth opened. He
was not exactly asleep, but had almost
lost consciousness when he became
aware that his sachel was moving
slightly. Without opening his eyes he
let hi, hand fall on the sachel. As he
did so hc tOuched the slim fingers of Il
hand that he recognized with thrill
to Gc tuoSe OF 4 lady. The hand was
quickly drawn away, but the young
man was nov broad awake. So broad
awake that be pretended to be still
asleep as he opened his eyes just wide
enough TO peep through the iashes at
the troubled face OF the Young lady
who was travelling alone tor tae first
time. She had moved To seat in
front OF him, and her dainty. uugloyed
hand was hanging over the back, as ii
she had been afraid to take it away
when the young man moved.
Five minutes passed, during which
she sat perfectly still, looking at the
apparently closed eyes OF the young
man, while the loud talking and
laughter of the three drummcrs. who
were telling each other highly colored
anecdotes in the smoking-room. were
the only sounds to oe heard save the
ruubiug OF the wheels,
"Strauge how man may be de-
ceNod, thought the young man. Il
always considered myself pretty bright,
but | should never have suspected that
girl of being sneak-thef She does
her work like Il professional, too.
Probably works the trains all the
while. Hello! she is gong 10 try IL
again.
The girl had arisen, and the white
hand was steadily advancing toward
the Sache. The young man found it
difficult 10 breathe regularly and
naturally, and his eyehds q3ivcred
with the cxertiou of Keeping Them in
such a position that they appeared
closed while allowing them TO watch
the would-be thief.
Now her hand is on the Sachel and
she is gently pulling 1t toward her.
Slowly it is drawn from the young
mans grasp. In another minute She
will have it. Her face is flushed, the
blue eyes are dilated. and even the
pretty blonde rings of hair seem to be
curling tighter in the intensity of the
moment. Then
Here is Horseshoe bend" says the
young man. suddenly sitting up, land
beautiful it looks in the sunset
He does not appear to notice the
girls confusion, but he takes the pre-
caution 10 pick up his sachel as he
steps to the other side of the car, and
points to the broad mountain piano.