Connecticut western news., 1889-09-11
VOL. XIX.

toward me. It was she. She had on 8 plain girgham dress and a juanty cap was pushed back from the auburn hair curling on her forehead. She gave mo 8 good hearty handshaking and ordered me into the station.
 "Gracious!" said I s'not much more than shed. Do you have it all to yourself?"
 "Pretty often. There is man around sometimes, but he's lazy sort Q creature and, to tell the truth, l haven't much confidence in him. I've got my eye on him pretty close. He went off this afternoon with a queer looking character, some stranger friend of his. Where they went is mystery; might have been fishing, though folks don't fish at midday. Now," she went on, changing her sub ject with her old vivacity, tits just about half an hour till supper time. I'll give you full directions how to go and you start at once. Walk fast and you'll be in time. And won't mother be pleased, though! You see, I've got my supper here in tin pail. I've got to stay and see the express 90 by all right"
 interrupted her with the wish that she would allow me to remain with her. But she shook her head.
 "No, haven't enough supper for two and mothers all alone. You can come back after me if you like, though don't mind the walk alone. Haven't the slightest idea how it feels to be afraid. Start right along now; it's good mile."
 She gave me the directions and set out, rather reluctantly, it must be con- fessed. r.
 The station stood somewhat above the village, the railroad wound past on an embankment, crossing 8 river gulley on high bridge short distance to the west.
 l followed Josie's directions; went through the village and up the road leading to her home. Mrs. Mcclure gave me delightful welcome and a supper beyond description. We had a pleasant talk of old times and new. She spoke of Josie's goodness and filial affection until tears came into her eyes and mine as well.
 Then rose to return to the station.
 shall never know precisely what thought it was came into my mind and caused me to hasten my footsteps. Time had flown. It was eight o'clock and after, and growing quite dark. The sky had clouded over, as if a storm were impending, and the quiet of the village was unearthly. I hurried on; l almost ran and finally reached the station. But what was my surprise to find Josie was not there. She had not gone home, for her tin pail stood upon the table and a handkerchief lay on the floor beneath. I glanced in the pail. Her supper was yet untouched. The place was grow ing dark and no lamp lighted. Sud- denly, "click, click" from the table. I listened and knew that some one was calling up this station. sT. w." CT. | w" knew that Josie was CT. w." Whoever it was calling persisted so that I grew uneasy. Where could the girl have gone? At length, as she did not come, answered the call. "Well, what is it?" s'About the express" the answer came. ssThere is no mistake p I hesitated. What should I say? "Repeat instructions. 'T. w. is out for the moment.' l knew only that the.express would come from the west and this was man talking at station fifty or sixty miles to the east. He answered after moment: s'Matter ot life or death. Express will leave A in ten minutes. Should switch at P [Josie's station] and wait fol special from east to pass. Other track blocked with freight. For Gods sake fix it right. No direct wire from here to A"
 A cold chill ran over me. Where
 was Josie? How could call up tht other station? l made an attempt, but
 gained no answer. I waited little
 but no Josie. It was growing darker
 rushed out on the platform and looked
 up and down. There was small shet
 across the track. 1 ran over an(
 wrenched open the door, but could SC,
 nothing for the darkness. 1'Josie,"
 called despairingly. Hark! Wha sound was that, faint and familiar click, click-click. I listened withou breathing. ''I am here," it said
 "Bound and gagged; tied down so can't get my hands free or stir. Un l loose me quickly"
 , I groped my way into the shed stumbled over piles of wood and cam B to something warm and human. It was 8 moments work to releas , her.
 , "Great Godn l cried. "Who di, :, this?"
 F She caught her breath with gasp
 s.Back to the station!" she cried ssDort waste second." We ran to