The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1889-11-02

minus HuiI'Sl. ANU SHOi iu'N' ihON -
. always falling into the soft-soap keg or
something else. Mothers health is just
splendid. As for me, I've gained fifteen
pounds" etc, etc.
1t was this that put the notion in my
head. l obtained substitute and took
my vacation in early June.
The evening of the next day l alighted
from the way train at the town where
| Josie and her mother livcd-at the sta
ton where Josie herself was fixture.
\ trim little figure came running
| toward mc. 1t was She. She had on 4
plain bingham dress and jaunty cap
was pushed back from the auburn hair
curling on her forehead. She gave me a
good hearty handshaking and ordered me
into the station.
"Gracious!" said I; mot much more
than a shed. Do YOU have it all to your
self"
''Prctty often. There's man around
sometimes, but he's lazy sort Of a crea-
turc and, to tell the truth, haven't much
confidence in him. I've got my eye on
him pretty close. lie went of this after
noon with queer looking character,
some stranger friend of his. Where they
went to is a mystery; might have been
fishing, though folks don't fish at mid
day. Now" she went on, changing her
subject with her old vivacity, Its just
about half an hour till supper time. I'll
give you full directions now to 90 and
YOU start at once. Walk fast and you'll
be in time. And won tmother 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
/ l interrupted her with the wish that
she would allow me to remain with her.
But she shook her head.
mo, 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 slight
est idea how ii feels to be afraid. Start
right along now; it's good mile"
She gave me the directions and I set
out, rather reluctantly, it must be con-
fcsscd.
The station stood somewhat above the
village, the railroad wound past on an
embarrassment, crossing a river gulley on
high bridge short distance to the west.
| followed Josie'S directions; went
down through the village and up the
road leadin" to her home. Mrs. Mcclure
gave me a delightful welcome and sup
per beyond description. We had pleas
ant talk of old times and new. She spoke
Of Josic's goodness and filial affection I'M
til tears came into her eyes and my own
as we'll
Then I rose to return to the station.
l shall never know precisely what
thought it was came into my mind and
caused me to hasten my footsteps. Time
had flown. 1t was s o'clock and after,
and growing quite dark. The sky had
clouded over, as if storm were impend-
ing, and the quiet of the village was un-
earthly.
hurried on; | 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 handkerchief lay on
the floor beneath. glanced in the pail
Her supper was yet untouched. The
place was growing dark and no lamp
lighted suddenly, ''click, click" from
the table. listened and knew that some
one was calling up this station. IT.
w. IT. w knew that Josie was
IT. W." Whoever it was calling per
sisted so that | grew uneasy. Where
could the girl have gone! At length, as
She did not come, l answered the call.
well, what j. it?" "About the cx-
press the answer came. There is no
mistake" J hc>i;atcd. What should |
shy: "Repcat Instructions. r. w is
"n5 for the moment" KNEW only shat
;ac express would cpre frlm the west.
and this was p man talking q, sutton
fifty or sixty mile. 20 the y:>t lie an
>vcrcd aft,ra moment: ''N.t.cr Of life
or death Ezpre,, viii lcu,c A-iu