The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-11-21

made up, he said: "By thunder, 1 guess
that's the only thing we kin do. | can't
leave we're. I wouldn't have head of
stock left by the time l got back. Them
damned Injuns is gittin' worse and worse,
not to mention the hoss thieves and road
agents that's gittin' thicker'n heas on
dogs back It's sort o crowdin' you,
though, lieutenant, and | don't know what
the old man'll say
ale won't say thank you, at any rate,
said the lieutenant.
"You kin gamble on that" said the
hostler, approvingly. "Who's this John
ny-come-lately?" he added, as passenger
from the inside of the stage strolled toward
| them.
"Jim said he was stockman, said the
lieutenant; "hes billed for Pack City"
'Jim p growled the hostler eontemptu-
ousIy. "Jim's a stranger himself in these
parts How should he know?"
And when the traveller, an elderly man,
Joined them with sociable remark that
at was purity tol'able warm, the hostler
vented his scorn for Jim by ignoring him
altogether and continuing his talk with the
lieutenant about way-bills, express, mail
and other stage matters. But the passen-
ger appearing in nowise affected by this
lack of cordiality, held his ground, and if
he did not join in the conversation, listened
to it so persistently that the hostler finally
turned to him and said rather sareastically,
stranger, is there anything | can do for
YOU"
"Well, no, par'd," replied the traveller,
good-humoredly, ''there's nothin' you kin
do for me, but l reckon you kin do some
thin for thet lady inside; she's petered
plumb out, and the kids yellin' like all
possessed"
At this the amateur driver opened the
st.,ge door and looked in. There was the
usual litter of mail bags and small bundles,
and smell of dust and leather. Address
ing the woman, who in long linen duster
and with veil over her face, reclined
Imply in one corner, half holding a crying
baby, the lieutenant said, ''Supper station,
madam
This announcement producing no reply,
he repeated it in louder tone. The only
result was an added force to the baby's
cries
II reckon she's tainted, said the other
passenger, appearing at his elbow with
cup of water; ''try this yere.
The lieutenant got inside, followed by
the old man, to whom he unceremoniously
handed the baby. Taking out his pocket
flask he mixed little whiskey and water,
and pushing the veil up from the uneon-
scious mouth, he succeeded in partially re-
viving the exhausted woman. Now,
then" he said in an authoritative tone,
"you must come outside in the open air,
and wash your face and hands that will
brace you up quicker than anything. Then
when you have had some supper you will
be all right. We haven't much time" he
added,
The woman obediently arose, but, worn
out and cramped by the long days ride,
she had to be assisted to the ground. She
succeeded in walking over to the water
trough, and, sitting down on its edge, 81
lently took her baby. The lieutenant
brought her basin and towel, and left her
to her toilet Presently he returned and
said, "Supper is ready"
''Thank you, l don't want any supper"
was the reply.
As he heard her speak for the first time
the lieutenant looked at the shrouded form
in surprise. The voice was lowand trained,
the voice of gentlewoman. 1t startled
him with a swift suggestion of perfumed
lace and six-button kid gloves, of waltz
music, yachting and low, murmured words
in dim conservatories The recollection of
the fried pork and beans awaiting them in
the station, however, brought his mind
back to the subject:
Il beg your PARDON he said, "but you
must eat something. You can't stage all
day without eating"
Her back was turned toward him as she
sat dabbling in the water for the amuse-
ment of the baby, and he went around
and stood in front of her to emphasize his
remark. Her veil was still down, and she
did not raise her head as she replied, in
the even tone Of superior addressing an
over-zealous inferior, "You are very kind,
but don't want anything"
The lieutenant was rather nettled at
this, but nevertheless persisted. His in
terest was awakened. Besides, it would
be very inconvenient to have her faint on
the road. Il hope you won't think me
obtrusive," he said, modulating his tone
respectfully, "but you must have some
thing. If you would prefer it, | will
bring it out here
Then she looked up half resentfully,
half curiously, evidently thinking that this
was very odd stage-driver. At last she
said, "You are giving yourself needless
trouble, but as you insist upon it, l will
take cup of tea and little milk for the
baby"
If her purpose was to rid herself of his
opportunities, her request was very effee-
tive Tea milk The lieutenant re-
turned to the station-house, thoughtfully
pulling his moustache "Now," he said to