The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-06-16

lgreW Ielt the mOmeht he uau sPohSn'
,ince the statement laid him open to
Ill sorts of dangers. Instantly it
dashed across his mind that the
stranger might be acquainted with the
real Mr.. Levi. The idea was too dread
ful to contemplate, but fortunately the
stranger made no sign. de mlght'
however, recognize the name and turn
The conversation ON to shipping and
matters, concerning which
MIR. Pettigrew was as ignorant as an
infant in arms. To avert this contin-
gency, and to check himself from rush
ing headlong to destruction, Mr.. Petit
grew, in desperation, closed his eyes
and feigned to sleep, which, perhaps,
under the circumstances, was the
wisest thing he could have done. At all
events the expedient was successful, Tor
the stranger naturally relapsed INTO
silence. CHANGING, however, at him.
after mile or two, beneath his eye
lids, Mr.. Pettigrew found to his dis
may, that he was still regarding him
quietly and persistently. 1t was
trying ordeal to feign to be uncon-
scious of this, and poor Mr.. Pettigrew
suffered 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 distracted the strangers
attention, though Mr.. Pethgrew was
aware that he would again have to
produce his unlucky pass. When the
inspector appeared in due course. Mr..
Pettigrew pretended to wake up with
a start, and produced the document,
but, in doing so, he contrived to drop
it upon the floor of the carriage. In a
moment the stranger, who seemed to
be on the alert, officiously bounced
upon it and handed it to the inspector.
But in the most natural manner in the
world he first tnfolded it, and Mr..
Pettigrew perceived that he took the
opportunity Of glancing at the con-
tents. The action occupied only a
moment, but, nevertheless, the
stranger evidently satisfied his Curl
osity. He leaned back in his seat with
a smile, and looked at Mr.. Pettigrew
with increased interest This episode
made Mr.. Pettigrew more uncomfort-
able than ever, and, upon receiving
the pass back again, he FASTENED to
resume his fictitious slumber. But he
could not resist peeping furtively at
his companion from time to time, and
he grew more and more convinced
that the stranger regarded him as an
impostor. The consequence was that
he worked himself into such 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 sacri-
fee of having to pay the full fare. Bet
ter this than run the risk of the pains
and penalties to which detection
would subject him.
Watching his opportunity, Mr.. Petit.
grew, when the stranger had turned
aside for moment, suddenly let down
the window, and crushing the pass into
ball in the palm of his hand, he cast
it forth into space. But his move
ments, quick as they were, did not es'
cape the attention Of the stranger, who
witnessed the whole maneuvcr. HI
glanced at Mr.. Pettigrew IN such sig
nificant manner that the unhappy gen
tleman felt bound to explain.
"A most awkward circumstance!' HI
murmured. a was just opening thu
window when my pass"
Dropped outP" interposed thu
stranger, in sympathetic tone.
eyes, dropped out" said Mr.. Petit
grew, very red in the face.
''Dear me! How did you manag'
itp" inquired the stranger.
81 don't know. l had it in my hand
and the draught was strong" said Mr.
Pettigrew, hastily. However" hi
added, with more assurance, lit can
be helped. must pay, that's all.
PAY. Oh, no! shouldn't think o
such thing if l were you," returned
the stranger, briskly. you've los
your pass by an accident, but you'v'
only got to say SO. saw it and viii
give my testimony"
"You are very kind" said Mr.. Petit
grew, not quite knowing whether t.
feel grateful or not.
After all there was no reason why h
should pay the expensive railway far
if he could get off doing so, and nov
that the tell-tale pass had disappeared
in the breeze, there seemed no fear q
detection. If the official at the mex
station declined to accept his statemen
about the loss of the pass, he woul'
only be called upon to pay, and this h
was now reconciled to do. Consider
ably easier in his mind, Mr.. Pettigrev
awaited the result of the experiment
with tolerable equanimity, and eve
ventured to exchange ideas with hi
companion on the subject Of tn
weather. When the next stage of tn
journey was reached and the inevitabl
ticket inspector again presented him
self, Mr.. Pettigrew told his story glib
enough.
"Of course, if must pay, I must,
he concluded, putting his hand reluc
antly in his pocket.
pooh! Nonsense! No occasio
whatever for that" interrupted th
stranger. 81 know this gentlema
had a pass, inspector, and saw hiI
lose it."
"Will you give me your name an
address, sir?" said the official.
Certainly" again interposed tn
stranger before the startled Mr.. PETIT
grew could speak. "This gentlema
is Mr.. Moss Levi. the agent of the 81
yer Crescent Steamship Compan.
You only have to telegraph to Londo
and ask for instructions. Tell them
wire reply to Plymouth, and lock US
till we get there. The gentleman
| we'll known RI vour colleayuos fhere