The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-08-13
CHAPTER I


oughly fatigued could not sleep.
l reopened my eyes unwillingly.
looked out into the impcnctrablc dark
ness. then 1T the Pickering light Of the
lamp and finally at my fcllow-travelcrs.
1t was strange company.
Opposite me sat decply-bronzcd.
notwithstanding corporal. He had drawn
the hood Of his black cloak over his
head and was snoring with cnviabie
comfort. Between his legs. which were
incascd in scarlet hose and light gait
ers, stood a large. heavy box. Upon
entering he had pointed it ont as being
filled ''du liquidc." and handled it with
loving care. Our strict officials had
never allowed such n large article to
pass as hand-hag@arc. hat in this in
stance they only smiled. and drew up
my feet on the seat rcsignediy.
Farther on. as near as possible to the
miserable lamp, sat young. slender
man. His pale. worn face was bent
over book he read all through the
night. 1t was Il newly-cut pamphlets
late production of the Partisan book
market. Was It political pamphlet or
Zola's latest novel? could not make
out. On the seat next me a son Of
the Celestial empire had settled himself
"a veritable Chinese. l could see his
modest little pigtail, orna,nented with
ribbons. moving back and forth. as he
turned his back on me to converse in
fluent French with his vis-a-vis, who
was a robust, rleasant-looking woman
of about forty years of age. the wife Of
a soldier, whom she was going to meet,
as / concluded from her conversation.
In these surroundings |, IL northern
er. attircd in an elegant travelling cos
tune, must have looked odd. But on
that train there were TO differences of
class. 1t was the lightning express
which rushcs on to Marscillcs with very
few storpares and carries only first
class passengers.
Most of my companions had tickets
to Algicrs. and tomorrow would steam
out into the Mediterranean. i was
sent to Nice by the doctors and an over
anxious mother. to spend the winter
and to recover from the effects of
serious attack OF inflammation of the
lungs.
tions ard my calling. ard Indignantly
questioned II travelling in such mood
could be of any benefit to an invalid.
The long December night was not at
an end when we reached Marseillcs.
The coupe was soon emptied.
The student closed his book and
stepped ont first. The rest followed
him: the corporal. swearing and still
half-aslecp. knocked about everywhere
with his ease. and only the lady had a
word of farewell for the remaining
traveller.
drew deep breath. sprinkled some
eau dc cologne on my handkerchief and
stretched myself out. | really sue
cecded in sleeping sorndly, for the
train had taken the pleasant, slumber-
producing jog Of an express. How long
! slept. do not know. Suddenly felt
the cool morning air, and the rustlirs,
Of skirts together with wonder
fully sweet perfume, pass close by me.
but was SO full of sleep that | could
not rouse myself Immediately.
When l finally opened my eyes they
rested Oh the corner where short
while since the black-bearded corporal
had snored.
There now sat in his place slender
female form in n long, clinging silk
mantle. A thick. gray veil covered her
travelling hat and face. about which
some very light golden curls fell
Those curls looked so natural they re-
minded me of little cousin at home.
Tho 1,l,- hayt ha,. hood
if she wished to sleep, and |, being
ashamed of my lounging posture. tried
to raise myself quickly and quietly.
AS did SO glanced out of the win
dow and could hardly restrain TN excla-
nation of delight.
There lay before me. at no very great
distance, half enveloped in the morning
mist. the magnificent Mediterranean;
the sun rose from the water, throwing a
bright CLEAN of light through the mist,
and covering mist, clouds and water
with rosy hue. High up along the
rocky coast ran the train in and out of
dangerous windings. Southern vegeta-
ton everywhere: evergreens, oaks, OIL
ives, oranges, everything glistencd with
the dew in glorious freshness.
Could it be December? Were the
folks mt home sitting shivering around
the stove, while our feeble, wintry sun
shone coldly and family through the
frozen window panes? | felt as if l
were under a magic spell, and as
turned to the other side, driven by an
impulse. beheld a lovely girls face
suffused with the tints of the morning
sun. For one short moment our eyes
met, then the train ran into one of the
numerous tunnels. The lady sat back
in her seat, drew her veil over her face,
and by the dim light of the lamp now
saw next me a mans form. her COM
panion's. awaited the temperance
of daylight and examined the gentle
man furtively.
The sun lit him up, too, and showed
unrelentingly every wrinkle, every
ugly shade Of color on his worn counte-
nance. which, when the lcaden lids
were lowered, had something dcathlike
about it. His slight form was cnvel-
oped in a fur cloak.
Was it the sun or was it my gaze that
affected him-he opened his eyes sud
denly Now his face became animated,
but it was not an Improvement; it APP.
peared better in its deathlise calm.
The man seemed to be aware of it, for
he drew out Il pair of spcctacles, and
ms piercing eyes disappeared behind
them