Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-06-24

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aud uncommunicative. But whether
it was that the last stoppage had dis
turbed the current Of this genlleman's IS
meditation, or that he had been struck
by Mr.. Pettigrew's agitation, he now
appeared disposed to be curious. lie
took stock of his unfortunate compan-
ion, who quailed in most guilty man
ner beneath his glance, and presently
he asked affably:
Going to Plymouth, sir p
Yes, gasped Mr.. Pettigrew.
so am l., said the stranger; in fact,
it's my native place. Know many pao.
pie there, sir p
Mr.. Pettigrew was about 10 answer
nervously in the negative, but suddenly
recollecting that he was personating
somebody else, whose name might
transpire during the journey, he was
seized with q veritable panic.
'No-at least, l mean yes. Yes, cer-
tainly. IN fact he added, cautiously,
I'm going down on business
Indeed = exclaimed the stranger,
with interest. Then Pm sure I've
met you before, sir. | knew your face
directly. You are often up and down
this line. are you not p
Again Mr.. Pettigrew was about in
voluntarily to give truthful answer,
but rem 4mbering, just in time, the po.
stion of affairs, he hastily replied in
the Affirmative.
you are not Mr.. Richardson, are
you, sir p inquired the stranger insin-
uatingly.
No, sir, my name is s-Levl,' replied
Mr.. Pettigrew, with gulp, being TAX
en- aback.
This was eminently rash, as Mr.. Pet.
tigrew felt the moment he had spoken,
since the statement laid him open to all
sorts of dangers. Instantly it flashed
across his mind that the stranger might
be acquainted with the real Mr.. Levi.
The idea was too dreadful 10 contem-
plate, but fortunately the stranger made
no sign. He might, however, recog-
niZe the name and turn the conversa-
tion on to shipping and mercantile
: matters, concerning which Mr.. Petit
grew was as ignorant as an iLfant in
arms. To avert this contingency, and
TO check himself from rushing head
long to destruction, Mr.. Pettigrew, in
desperation, closed his eyes and feigned
to sleep, which, perhaps, under the cir
cumstances, was the wiSest thing he
could have done.
At all events the expedient was sue
cessful, for the stranger naturally re-
lapsed into silence. Glancing, howev-
er, at him, after mile or two, beneath
his eyelids, Mr.. Pettigrew found to his
dismay that he was still regarding him
quietly and persistently. 1t was try
ing ordeal to feign to be unconscious Of
this, and poor Mr.. Pettigrew suffered a
martyrdom in the attempt. He knew
that he made miserable failure of it,
yet he dared not face his companion
openly, for fear he should resume the
conversation. 1t was positive relief
when the next stoppage of the train dis
tracted the strangers attention, though
Mr.. Pettigrew was aware that he would
again have to produce his unlucky pass.
When the inspector appeared iu due
course, Mr.. Pettigrew pretended to
wake up with start, and produced the
document, but, in doing so, he con.
trived TO drop 1t upon the floor of the
carriage. In moment the stranger,
who seemed to be on the alert, ,officious-
ly pounced upon it and handed it to the
inspector. But in the most natural
manner IN the world he first unfolded
it,and Nj. Pettigrew perceived that he
took the opportunity of glancing at the
contents. The action occupied only Il
moment, but, nevertheless, the strang-
er evidently satisfied his curiosity. Tie
leaned back in his seat with a smile,
and looked at Mr.. Pettigrew with in
creased interest.
This episode made Mr.. Pettigrew
more uncomfortable than ever, and up.
on receiving the pass back again he
FASTENED to resume his fictitious slum.
ber. But he could not resist peeping
futiYely at his companion from time
to time, ana he grew more and more
convinced that the stranger regarded
him as an impostor. The consequence
was that he worked himself into such a
fever of nervousness and apprehension
that at length he could stand it no
longer. He resolved, therefore, to get
rid of the pass at all hazards, even at
the sacrifice of having to pay the full
fare. Better this than run the risk of
the pains and penalties to which detec-
tion would subject him.
Watching his oppor tunity, Mr.. Petit.
grew, when the stranger had turned a.
side for a moment. suddenly let down
the window, and crushing the pass in
to ball in the palm of Lis hand, he