Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-01-11
A LUCKY SLIP.
BY BENGIE.

E5 was about II O'Clock on dark,
cold February night; the rain had
been pouring down steadily for sever
al days. One could hardly imagine g.
more bleak, desolate station than
Beechwood on that night, with one
lamp making darkness visible, the
platform an inch deep in rain, and
sleepy station-master and porter CIV
ing the only indications of life.
Hugh Lambert, as he got out Of the
train and went TO look after his lug
gsge, felt very thankful that he had
only a mile to drive before reaching
home. He was q man of about 40,
old for his years and slightly gray, in
figure ne was tall and we'll made, and
his face had an expression Of clever
ness.
As a rule, few passengers alighted at
Beechwood by that late train; but on
this night there were two beside Hugh
Lambert-a young lady and her
maid, with goodiy pile OF luggage.
Hugh was wondering g. little as to
where they could be going, when he
heard the girl ask the station master
airs. Newton, Of Priarton.
Why. the road has been blocked
since 8 O'Clock, miss There's bin
big landslip, and they're working all
might to git it cleared. don't think
you'll get to Priarton this week, what
with this slip and the foods"
What am TO do ?' exclaimed the
girl, with face Of blank despair. sis
there no other road to get to Priar-
tor 20
Hugh Lambert was listening with
some interest. Mrs. Newton was the
nearest neighbor, and great friend
OF his. this must be her niece, OF
whom he had often heard. He ap-
preached the lady and raised his hat
courtsously.
81 am sorry to say there isno other
road to Priarton; nor is there any
~ay of getting there tonight. I
heard OF the lsndslip only about an
hour ago, and know that the road is
completely blocked"
What can I do ?" the girl
asked again. sis there any inn
here, or must | take the next
train back to the nearest town."
THE last trains gone an hour;
there amt no inn in the country side
save public" -this from the porter.
You must let me arrange this mat
Ger for you," said Hugh Lambert. 81
think / must bespeaklng to Mrs. New
toms niece, MISS Nayton ?"
%fYou have guessed rightly" and
Dorothy Nayton looked up eagerly,
delighted to find some one to whom
she was known, II only by name.
She was a bright little body, pleas
ant looking, though she could not lay
Glenn 90 great beauty-a brunette
with g clear olive complexion, dark
eyes, and straight nose. She had
crossed from her home that after
noon, she told her new acquaintance;
and so of course her aunt might not
have expected her to arrive SO early.
E'You must let me take care of you,"
Lambert said. 'fMy place is close by.
Z will take you there, and send mes
sage to your aunt as soon as possible
70 let her know that you are safe"
just at that minute g. horse was
heard galloping up the dark road, and
presently g. man came hurrying into
the station.
els there a young lady here for
Priarton ?" he asked.
Dorothy went forward eagerly.
<'If you please, miss, here's q note
rom Mrs. Newton. I've been four
hours getting here; [ had to ride
twelve miles around, for the roads
blocked and the floods are out.
had to get g. boat at the low mead
0ws, and borrow another horse on
this side; and that has delayed me in
getting here"
Hardly waiting to listen to this
long explanation from the coach
man, Dorothy tore open the note and
read:
'fMY DEAREST CHILD am in great |
distress. The road between ere and |
che station has been blocked by a |
tremendous landslip; SO it is impos-
sible TO send thee arriage to meet you.
4 have therefore forwarded note to
my friend Hugh Lambert, asking him
10 send for you and give you and
your maid shelter for the night, till we