Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1891-10-10
AN AWFUL CHARGE.


the little villages farther up in the
mountains. As soon as the Fitchburg
train has pulled out OF the station and
into the tunnel the smaller combina-
iion is left master OF the field. and.
after backing coquettishly from its
side-track with many puff and ilutter
aud much ringing of not untuneful
bell. it starts sturdiIy around the curve
and begins its journey OF twelve miles
over an upgrade track.
One quiet evening in the earlier part
of July young woman. accompanied
by girl who seemed TO act in the
capacity of maid rather than COM
panion. alighted from the o'clock
train from Boston. made some in
quiries of an official ut the Fitchburg
sta ton, and then made her way across
the tracks to the other train which was
waiting respectfully at distance.
Just rs the train from Boston was
about TO start young man came hur-
riediy TO the platform Of the car look
ed earnestly across the tracks. aud
then disappeared inside the car to re-
turn moment later with tan-leather
satchcl. an umbrella. and cane. He
looked nervous and annoyed. but
crossed the tracks and climbed into
the single passenger-car on the mar
row gauge road. The car was COM
binatiou passenger and baggage-car.
and he climbed ia at the baggage-car
end. Presently the train backed from
the side-track and started along its up
grade journey.
The young man took mp position
before the open side door of the bag
gage eud OF the car and seemed TO
give himself up to admiration OF the
country through which they were pass
iug, though he east furtive glances iu-
TO the other end of the car. where the
Young woman had taken her place.
She was seated near the middle of the
car. on the sunny side. and her maid
was two or three seats behind her.
with wraps aud umbrellas aud the
various other paraphernalia that a
fasiidious young woman carries with
her even on short journey. Having
made these observations the young
man gave more perfect attention 10
the landscape and looked less frequent
ly into the car proper. The girl was
evidently unconscious of his presence,
or at least unmindful of it. She look
ell steadily out of the window and
seemed to be enjoying also the beauti-
fui scenery.
But presently the young man began
TO grow more nervous and restive.
lie moved uneasiIy from his position
In the open doorway aud sat down on
box in the middle OF the car Then
he went back to the door and leaned
away out. looking up the track. Then
he went back TO the box again and ar
ranged his four-in-hand uervously.
Suddenly he got up and walked reso-
lutely down the car to where the young
woman was seated. He walked much
in the manner of one who has deter
mined 10 take n bath In very cold
water aud goes at il with his nerves at
the sticking point and his eyes shut.
The young woman was much interest
ed in the landscape as he came up and
she did not notice him. He was
obliged 10 call her attention.
Grace" he said.
She turned from the window with
wondering eyes and looked at him q
moment. Then the light of recog-
milton drove the wonder slowly from
her eyes and she held out her hand
languidly.
why, how do you do, Mr.. Mardeu'"
she said
He took her hand slowly; he almost
groped for it. He had been trying all
the way from Boston to get up courage
TO speak TO her. aud now her cool. sur
prised How do you do" was almost
too much for him. There was not
even traceable note of resentment in
it. There certainly was nothing Of
pleasure. However. he pulled himself
together and took the seat which she
made for him beside her.
1T used to be Frank" he said In
answer to her Mr.. Marden." She
laughed easily.
"Oh, yes. but that was ever SO long
ago."
1T was long ago." said the young
man; ''it seems an age"
Miss Grenville made no reply. She
sat there brown-eyed and self-con-
tanned. and presently looked out OF he
window again. The young man made
another issue.
What on earth brings you to this
forsakrn region?" he asked. Miss
Gsenvills-leoked at him inquiringlv.
lis il forsaken ?. she asked. Il think
1t is very pretty"
We'll. yes, pretty. but not-wcll-'
exciting"
..D6 you like exciicmenta" asked
Miss Grcnvillo swectly.
II do not. but you door used to-"
did i? l think must have
changed" -
Probably; youShre changeable.
said the young man very bitterly. The
Young woman made no reply. Mar
den looked uncomfortably at his boots
for awhile. then he made third at
tempt.
..Will you please tell me where you
are going. Grace?" hc said.
Miss Greuyille turned slowly from
the window.
II think You had better call me Miss
Grcnvillc." she said.
Very well. Miss Grenville. will
you please tell me where you are go-
ing?'
Certainly. am going TO visit my
aunt at Wilmington. And you?"
Il am going to Wilmington. too
on business"
"Arc you? Then you must know
about tho coach from Readsboro."
.Wcll--cr--thc fact isl don't.
decided to go very suddcnly-that is
/ couldn't find out about the stage"
Oh" said Miss Grenvillc.
II have no doubt it will bc all right"
observed Mardcn. for want OF any
thing better 10 say.
.,O. no doubt." said Miss Grenvillc.
perhaps for the same reason.
But when they arrived at the ter
minus OF the road they found that It
was not all right. Tie stage was there.
but every available seat but one had
bcen taken. II was growing laep aud
Miaa Gronvilla sxae In doaO,sfr