Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-06-26
FIRST AND LAST.

and the clear air was sUlll and frosty.
Along a level country road comfortable
old nag was peacefully proceeding, har-
messed to rafting blackboard that held
an old man and young lady Half a
mile ahead of them the little red station
stood out against the fading sky. Sud-
denly the distant rumble of a train Jared
the air.
Don you worry, Miss Waite" ex-
claimed the old man; don you worry
we'llget you thar in time Dolly amt a
fast boss, but she gifts over the ground. Hi,
Dolly? travel now!'
Quite unmoved by her masters compli-
ment Dolly ambled serenely on, unop-
pressed by the fact that trains wait for no
man. Louder and nearer grew the rumble,
in appalling contrast to Dolly's movements
Presently they saw headlight round the
curve, and the long black length of a
freight train wind across the level to the
station.
"Oh, Mr.. Kane, it never stops there
more than five mlnutes!' exclaimed the
girl.
Hi, Dolly, git up now" cried the old
man, slapping the reins carefully along the
sleek back They were near enough now
to hear the escaping steam-if the
train would only wait two minutes more
they could make it.
Miss Waite glanced at the willow
switch that served Mr.. Kane for a whip,
and longed to try It's influence over Dolly.
Now the engine began to give hoarse
puffs preparatory to departure, the bell
rang, a slow motion ran down the long
train.
>'Oh, I'm left!' exclaimed the girl, Il
II 7 l 1,o1,r>
it sharply against Dolly's side. Such an
indignity reused Dolly to action. Ratvling
and bouncing they flew across an open field,
andreined up beside the track just as the
engine was passing.
Passenger Here lady wants to go!'
shouted the old man. "All right came
back from tall figure on top of the first
car Take her back a couple of yards, and
have her stand down in the ditch
Now, you see you're all right, Miss
Waite, I've got more influence n |
knowed had, stoppin the trains when
I want to. shall stay here till you 'er
aboard, but you're young and spry, an
you II excuse ap old man like me for not
gettin' out
sob, yes, indeed I'm so much obliged to
you for getting me aboard-good night, :"
Miss Waite screamed back through the din
of the cars as she descended into the ditch.
The long train ratified past her until the
red tight of the wdy-car came close. A
fgur esprang down beside her. two strong
hands lifted her, two long arms seized her
frcam above and pulled her to the platform,
while the train went on without a percept
ible pause. The light of the lanterns re-
vealed.to the young lady some indistinct
rough figures; to the men, a flushed face
with lustrous brown eyes and wide-blown
hair. above fluttering drapelles.
I'm sorry we had to take you aboard so
roughly" said pleasant voice behind her.
'1but we're late already, and | couldn't
stop
al am very grateful to be taken aboard
st afr, she answered, with dlgnitied
little smile The conductor led the way
into the car, and found her a seat in the
most secluded corner. Not another lady
was aboard, and around the stove 4 crowd
of drovers were joking noisily, who be-
slowed glances of varying length upon
her The air was thick with the smoke of
s',eir innumerable pipes and cigars.
~ wish | could stop their smoking, but
ca, the conductor said, standing be-
tweeu her and the noisy group. Il hope
Ike smoke ism t very disagreeable to you.
oh. no-and | am not going far
W hen she was left alone Miss Waite,
drew long breath, and settled back
against the wall, discovering that she was
tired. well, this is quite an adventure, ="
she remarked mentally. IF | had got
left should have felt like killing that old
horse. | hope she won't get lame, but
dom believe it could have hurt her; she's
Just lazy, and Mr. Kane let her be. ! was
desperate being. or I'd never have daTa.
to do it. Mr.. Kane didn't lay it ny
against me, though, for which I'm sincere
~ grateful. If anybody acquainted with
Dolly saw us careering across that field.
HI like to know their thoughts
most have been almost stunned. | must
have presented nearly IS impressive a
spectacle, myself, when | got on the train,
OF rather when they got me on-this GER
tainly is home again under difficulties.
wonder how late the train Is. The con-
,3ncter will be in pretty soon, and | can
ask him. There he is. Why-where did
t-0h!"
Miss Waite suddenly grew motionless
4 stunned look passed over her face-then
deep flush colored it richly. She had
lost her pocket-book.
It is pleasant position-not cent in
her possession, no ticket, and a strange
conductor to inform of the fact after
boarding his train by force almost. He
seemed to move with unusual rapidity as
he collected fare here and there in his
progress toward her end of the car, where
size waited in galsing helplessness. When
BE paused before her. she looked up with
she rich fuse, hot in her cheeks, but
without a smile
Il must have lost my purse when | got
on, she said with dignifed frankness.
--Will you stop the train and put me off?
Or will you trust me to pay the money to
Mr. Arnold at the station?"
A look of compassion-merry and
}End-shot into his eyes that relieved her
We're twenty minutes late already, so
II won't do to stop the train" he said
with an answering smile. Il think shall
have to trust you" Then he added sober
~, Il an so sorry-I am afraid you will
never find your purse"
No, never expect to, and there wasn't
enough in it to make the loss of any con-
sequence. If had only had time to get a
sieket-"
please don mention it again. assure
you it won't break up the road"
You are very kind, indeed. will leave
ane money, then, with Mr.. Arnold next
week"
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