Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-11-14

him Of Miss Hale, and he bonght a
bunch to lay upon her desk as be passed
it. The exchange editor received them
with the gentle, reserved manner that
had gradually won her the respect and
friendship Of every man in the room.
but little flush she could not drive
back crept into her cheek and made
Robert Bryant's heart beat fast. After
that he brought her something from the
flower stand every morning single
rosebud, a few violets, a spray of mign-
onette, or handful Of forget.me. noss>
And the exchange editor put them into
a glass of water and invariably carried
them away when her davis work was
ended. Very good friends they grew
10 be, and yet Robert Bryant did not
admit. even TO himself, that there was
anything beyond friendship.
But one day a tall, handsome fellow
walked into the editorial room and WAS
given most cordial welcome by the
exchange editor. For half an hour the
two chatted in the most ex~speratingly
confidential manner, and when at last
the caller went away the telegraph edi-
tor was sure he said something about
calling on Miss Hale that evening"
Robert Bryant knew he loved Margaret
Hale. .'-sas-.-..,, a'.'-. ... ,ssasss .....z..
As her visitor left the room she turn.
ed to the telegraph editor with bright
eyes and flushed cheeks. and with a
question that fell like a bombshell.
'fsn't he handsome she asked.
Robert did not know what to answer
SO completely was he taken aback by
this remark from one usually so reserv-
ed.
Il think go much Of him, she conttn-
ued-Robert's heart sank still lower
hes going to marry my sister, and has
come to the city to select his furnish
ings.'
The telegraph editors heart seemed
to leap into his throat, but he managed
to stammer out some sort Of an answer.
Then his work demanded his atten-
ton, but it was a wonder all the tele-
graph sensations Of the day did not
appear with big headline, Margaret
for his heart was beating "Margaret'
with every throb.
At last the days work was done, the
forms sent to the press room, and the
editors were free to leave their desks.
just then frightened. white faced boy
rushed into the room. THE building s
airs, he gasped don't you smell the
smoke 7?
In the hubbub that ensued Robert
Bryant stepped to the side Of the ex-
change editor with the word to the
others, I will look out for Miss Hale.
1t seemed impossible that the danger
should be at all pressing. for there was
only the slight smell of smoke to show
the presence of fire.
Call up the elevator, said one Of the
men.
The elevator we'll is all afre,' was
the boys reply.
Robert seized Mss Hale's arm. cry
ing: I'VE must run for the staircase.
The danger began to dawn upon him
in the fourth story. no tire-escape,
and the elevator useless.
As they hastened along the corridor
to the stairway the smoke grew so dense
they could scarcely fight their way
through it, and they only reached the
stairs to find that way of escape cut off
by the flames. The composing room
was vacant. It opened close upon the
stairway and the men had been able to
escape, while the little delay on the
part of the occupants of the editorial
room had imprisoned them in the burn
ing building.
1t WAS impossible to live IN the smoke,
but by struggling back to the editorial
room and closing the doors the party
found themselves safe for the moment.
The windows were thrown open, and as
the apparently doomed men were seen
a great gro.n burst from the crowd be-
low. Th. building, q wooden one, was
like an enormous t,nder box, and from
the windows directly below the flames
were already darting.
Margaret and Robert stood alone by
one of the windows. She was very pale,
but calm. 1t seems like dream, she
said. onlya moment ago we did not
think of danger. and now death stares
us in the face.
Robert put his arms about her. He
gave no heed to the others-the half
dozen men and the boy who had been