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

"A most awkward circumstance u lie
murmured. Il was just opening the
window whsn my pass
Dropped out p interposed the stran.
ger in a sympathetic tone.
YES, dropped out, said Mr.. Petit
grew, very red in the face.
Dear me ! How did you manage
it ? inquired the stranger.
Il don't know. | had il IN my hand,
and the draught was strong said Mr..
Pettigrew hastily. However, he add
ed, with more assurance, 1T can't he
helped. l must pay, that's ALL
Pay. Oh, no shouldn't think of
such ii thing if | were you,' returned
the stranger, briskly. You've lost
your pass by an accident, but you've
only got to say SO. saw it, aud will
give my testimony
'You are very kind said Mr.. p etti-
grew, not quite knowing whether to
feel grateful or not.
After all there was no reason why he
should pay the expensive railway fare If
he could get off doing 50, and now that
the tell tale pass had disappeared in the
breeze, there seemed no fear Of detec-
ton. If the official at the next station
declined to accept his statement about
the loss of the pass, he would only be
called upon TO pay, and this he was
now reconciled to do.
! Considerably easier in his mind, Mr..
Pettigrew awaited the result of the ex-
pertinent with tolerable equanimity,
and even ventured TO exchange ideas
with his companion on the subject OF
the weather. When the next stage Of
the journey was reached aud the newt
atle ticket inspector again presented
himself, Mr.. Pettigrew told his story
glibly enough.
'Ot course, il must pay, must he
concluded, putting his hand reluctantly
in his pocket.
Pooh Nonsense No occasion
whatever for that interrupted the
stranger. 81 know this gentleman had
a pass, inspector, and saw him lose it.
will you give me your name and ad.
dress, sir p asked the official.
Certainly again interposed the
stranger, before the startled Mr.. Petit
grew could speak. This gentleman is
Mr.. Moss Levi, the agent Of the Silver
Crescent Steamship Company. You on:
ly have to telegraph to London and ask
for instructions. Tell them to wire re.
ply to Plymouth, and lock us in till we
get there. The gentleman iswell known
to your colleagues there
The inspector, civilly enough &C.
quiesced in this arrangement, and the
stranger glanced at Mr.. Pettigrew fol
his approval. But Mr.. Pettigrew had
turned very pale, and looked the pic
ture of dismay. The plan suggested
would have been excellent il he had
been the person he pretended, but as il
involved the necessity of his being iden
titled by some one who knew Mr.. Levi
the drawback was at once apparen t.
In fact, now that it was too late, Mr.
Pettigrew realized his folly, and cursed
the strangers we'll intentioned inter
ference.
However, he had committed himself
irretrieyably, and there was nothing fol
it but to face the situation. The more
he thought of it the less he liked it,and
all his former fears revived with pain
full intensity. After all, il he had KEEP
the pass no difficulties might have aris
en-, but he had now rashly brought up
on himself the very danger he had ap
pretended. Detection was inevitable
and, what was worse, the fact of hi
having nothing to show was calculated
to suggest that his personation of an.
other person was an impudent fraud
without a shadow of an excuse. Th,
train wac rapidly approaching its des
tination, and Mr.. Pettigrew pictured
himself being dragged before a magis
trate and held up to public disgrace as
railway swindler.
In the midst of these agonizing re-
flections, Mr.. Pettigrew's glance en-
countered that Of his companion, who
seemed, from his manner, to devine
what was passing in his mind.
Il suppose you realize, sir, the awk
ward fix you Eaye got yourself into,
said the stranger sharply.
I-I-what do. you mean p gaspet
Mr.. Pettigrew.
J You know very we'll what | mean.
returned the stranger. You said yol
were Mr.. Moss Levi. 1t is lie-al
impudent imposture. l am Mr.. Moss
Levi
you = calculated Mr.. Pettigrew
family.
'Yes, sir. 1t is not the first time
have been personated upon this line
The directors have determined to pros
cute, and the result of my message viii
be that you will be taken into custody
at Plymouth
r.