Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-03-04
AT THE HORSESHOE BEND.

AT THE HORSESHOE BEND.
The parlor car on the fast line from
Pniladelphia WAS comparatively empty
when the train pulled out of Harris
burg, after stopping the usual twenty
minutes for dinner. Tho three drum
mers had retired to the smoking room
for post-prandial cigar. and theonly
other occupants of the car were
young lady and gentleman.
Sne was about 20, blonde, with
little rings of soft hair falling over a
white forehead from beneath The turned
up brim OF jaunly straw hat. Her
nose was what Tenuyson calls tip
tilted. Her laughing blue eyes re-
belled against the Otherwise demure
expression OF her face, and the slightly
parted lips revealed glimpse of pearl
like teeth wnicn, one could never asso-
ciate with dentists chair.
The young man on the other side of
the aisle, Immediately opposite, evil
dently appreciated the points OF excel
lence in his fellow traveller. He held
book in his hand, but was not SO alb
sorbed in it that he did not cast many
Il covert glance at the pretty face half
turned toward tho window in admira-
tion of the scene. He was bright
young fellow, with dark mustacne,
aud u silk travelling cap thrown care
lessly on the back Of his head. In the
seat by his side was a small sachel,
which ne had never let out oil his sight
since leaving Philadelphia, and upon
which 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 it. He was as much at home
in the swinging-chair as if he owned
the car and all its appurtenanceS, and
he commanded the services OF the col
ored porter in the off-hand manner
characteristic of your experienced
traveller.
wonder what makes my fair neigh
Dor SO tidgetyp" he was saying to HIM
troubling her. Size looks awfully wor-
ried. Not used to travelling alone,
guess. May be she thinks there is
danger OF our being attacked by train
roUDers or Indians, or something of
that SORT She does not look. ike a
fool, though. There is good deal OF
Intelligence in that fact"
Ihe lady had been feeling in her
pocket and had closely examined the
contents of her hand-sachei, drawing
therefrom handkerchief, vinai-
grette, u pair Of gloves, Il bundle of
paper patterns. some crochet work,
and a few crumbs of CAKE. The last
she put in her mouth in an absent
,, minded way, signing heavily as she re-
placed the other articles. Then she
tried to raise the window. In an in.
stant the young man was at her side,
rendering his assistance. She thanked
him with glance of her blue eyes.
'At what time shall we be at AL.
toonap" she asked, in low, sweet
voice, in perfect keeping with her ap-
pearance.
..About z o'clock. We are little
behind time"
1--WE shall pass Horseshoe bend by
daylight, shall we notp"
"Yes. just about sundown. You
have seen it before. of coursep" he in
| terrogated.
mo. l have passed it several times,
but always in the dark. Papa prefers
travelling at night, to save time. l 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.
perl"
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 sho die
not. She told the porter rather short
! ly that she did not want any supper,
| and then. as soon as the man had
disappeared, burst into tears. Wher
the young man returned in about fif
teen minutes, with stray crumb or
his mustache and an aroma Of coffee
clinging to his clothes, he noticed that
his travelling companion's eyes were
red. and that she looked generally dis
consulate.
docs not like travelling by herself,
and feels lonely" was his inward com.
ment, as he settled himself in his seat
after placing his sachel by his side,
and throwing q paper bag Of cakes
down with it.
The train started. and the young
man gradually let his book drop on his
lap, as his head sank back, his eyes
closed, and his mouth opened. Re
was not exactly asleep. but had almost
1ost consciousness when ha heca me-