San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-02-23
AN UNFORESEEN RESULT.

The 1890 train for - was nearly
full of passengers, and in about three
minutes more would be steaming from
the station, when two young ladies en-
tered, seeking seats.
One was very swcet-looking girl,
not beautiful, yet far from homely; the
other, whom she resembled enough to
proclaim them sisters, possessed a
charming face, perfect features, liquid
blue eyes, and waving golden hair.
Both were under twenty-three.
There, Mabel" said the plainest-
looking one, II see just two seats, one
in front of the other, so we can talk
when we like"
"Yes; and just see who occupies each!
One a horrid old countryman, and the
other negro
mo, won't sit by him, Elsie-he is
too shabby" she continued, as her sis
ter offered to sit by the negro, leaving
the other seat vacant Nor shall you
sit there, either. See here, man." she
continued, addressing the colored per-
son, suppose you sit by this farmer.
and allow two ladies to keep together"
"Of course" said the individual adj
dressed. IF massa is willing. is"
Change seats, certainly, Cesar; |
am glad there is room for you here"
returned the sO-called countryman.
al thank you very much, and am
sorry to have disturbed you" said Elsie.
mabel, how could you speak so to
strangers?" she added in low tone to
her sister as the train moved on. Ifelt
sorry for them both, for they heard all
you said"
Il don't care if they did. Who were
they, pray?'
.'Do speak lower. He is not old.
neither is he rough. He has the finest
and most expressive eyes | ever saw,
and. though not fashionably dressed, l
know he is true gentleman" replied
Elsie softly.
"How do you know that, pray?
Where you sec gentleman | cannot
think"
"In the kind manner in which he
spoke to the negro lie has a feeling
heart, and low sweet voice.
"Since you admire him so much will
draw You his picture" returned Mabel.
First, Il great, thick-skuiled, boorish
clowns head is to be drawn; long dang
ling black hair, moustache, and moppv
thick beard"
"Oh, please stop, sister; he does hear
and sees also, fear"
81 am glad of it! Perhaps | will give
him the picture when finish it. Collar
turned down, dog-eared style; coat all
rusty. and out of date years ago; hat
oh, Elsie, did you see that great, broad
brimmed straw head-protector reposing
on his knee? See, have it here exact
ly. am only sorry that | cannot sec
his feet, but presume they are as long
as the moral law, and cased in cow
hide boots, so will put them in as
finish"
While thus this unladylike beauty
chatted and amused herself at the ex-
pense of another, the train had been
speeding onward at a very rapid rate.
But suddenly a strange jar thrilled
every passenger; then thump-thump,
fearful crash, with shrieks and groans,
flying splmters. and broken glass, pro-
claimed an accident to the Inflated
train.
track down steep embankment. and
now crushed helpless sufferers took the
place of the smiling needless travellers
that few moments before filled the
seats.
Fortunately the person Mabel had
styled "a bOorish clown" and the negro
escaped unhurt, whilst the sisters were
both firmly wedged by heavy timbers 10
their places, and were also wounded.
"Oh, help me-quick!' screamed
Mabel, as she saw the two men stand
up unframed. II am fast and hurt,
and will be burnt up, for Ismell smoke.
Save me. save me-do, kind sir!'
Il will try to aid you BOTH" return
ed the stranger. Here, Caesar, help
me-"
Both tried then 10 draw away the
girls from their dreadful position, after
having dashed out the window that they
might escape therefrom.
Strongly they pulled-the negro Ma
bel, the stranger Elsie.
"Oh, pull me out first, both of your
shrieked Mabel frantically. II must
not die! Mamma aud papa would
mourn me so. Oh, save me first,
pleaser'
Yes" murmured Elsie, with lips
white from pain. Save her tirst-no one
cares for me very much. Use all your
strength for her."
"Be calm, brave lady; we shall soon,
| trust, release both; but | leave you
not until you are free, if perish while
saving you"
In short time the fire was subdued,
and the danger over, while the dead
and wounded lay on the bank in con-
fused mass.
Many had been killed and several
fatally injured.
Mabel and her sister were not SO bad
ly wounded as some, but each had a
dislocated ankle and many bruises.
IL see you are injured and cannot
walk. but there is large house near
by, where you can be cared for. Per
init me to carry you there?"
Elsie looked up as these words were
addressed to her, and met the hand
some eyes OF the person who had saved
their lives, bent upon her
Would you object TO my carrying
you, lady~
Il should be very glad to have your
help, in that or any other way, if some
one viii also help my sister. cannot
leave her"