San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-18

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TO common man, uncapped and stood
aside to give the king and his guests
ample passage.
"Oh, how superior l feel alreadvp
whispered Sophia to Floy.
Just then the three minute gong
sounded.
''Oh, hurry" exclaimed Floy-at which
everybody laughed. las if they would
leave usv' Observed Sophia with mock
haughtiness.
The magnate certainly did not seem
hurried or nervous. but cutie at his ease
walled on with &rg. Bassett, slightly in
advance of the young people, explaining
to her certain features OF the excursion
which, as chaperone, she might wish to
know.
You need not worry, however,
madam, " he said. "Ssevcns understands
the affair, and if anything unforeseen
happens the train people will be at your
call. think you'll find everything
smooth. That Stevens is a fine young
fellow. He will look out properly for
your comfort. 1t isn't every one I'd let
manage a picnic of this sort"
And now the car steps were reached,
with the conductor respectfully in wait
ing, fanked by servants, vigilant and
agile in loyal attentions. Up the steps
the ladies hurried, and brushed past the
civil porter, impatient to catch first
glimpse of the interior of palace. And
oh, how beautiful. how elegant, how
perfect it W.!
YES, pretty good" replied the king,
who had Il new ual better car making
in the shops. Find seats, ladies? Mrs.
Bassett, think you will be comfortable
here. All. ladies, all on one side?-the
sunny side evidently. Here, Mr.. Quire,
you take Miss Sophia over wonderland
improve your chances! Miss Bassett,
here's cosy corner, and l presume Mr..
Stevens won't mind riding backward,
under the Teumstances. Now, jim,
look out Tor my friends. If riding makes
you hungry, ladies, just let it be known
to Jim-he keeps Il cracker in the locker.
Just then the starting gong struck;
but the train didn't start.
1911 y t4--C eiliINl. MISS
Sophia to th2 lieutenant; were keeping
everybody waiting! Aren't we some,
though! | hope he'll stay and talk an
aour."
But the good king reveres the law.
So when he heard the signal the mag
nate stopped his gossip and prepared to
leave them. We'll, you're off," he said.
i've no doubt you'll enjoy yourselves.
Stevens moment. Good day, all"
and with these parting words b" 9'sap-
peared, followed by Stevens, WI rD>"t-
ed to receive string of final inst ~. IS.
just outside the door on the Car l...t-
form. well removed from the guests on
the one hand and the cluster of train
hands at the car steps on the other, the
magnate stopped; and. once more, he
winked.
''She looks tine!" he whispered. "She's
wearing flow rs-are they yoursY'
Il believe so, sir" said the blushing
lover.
THAT'S rightr' replied the magnate.
"Oh, you'll get her. Buttons is nowhere. VI
Then turning to the conductor, who
stood obediently at the foot of the steps,
he exclaimed, in tone of command,
"All right; go ahead"
The conductor swung his arm, the
watchful fireman, in the far away cab,
drew in his head, the engine bell rang n
warning, the engineer pulled the throt-
tie, and with puff and groaIt tie u..n
started.
"Oh, were off" cried Floy, and jump
ing up she ran to the rear platform,
where, standing on tiptoe behind Ste
vens, she waved dainty farewell over
his shoulder to the smiling magnase,
who lifted his hat in return.
by" he muttered between his
teeth, that's pretty picture! And yet
l suppose that boy envies me-"
He turned away with a frown, and,
unmindful of the civilities of the railroad
employees in his path to the street, walked
rapidly thither, where he, the lord of
trade, whose palace was whir1ing past
the great white dome that some discon-
tented people said he owned, boarded a
crowded street car, and standing in the
aisle hung on by strap with one hand
while he fumbled in his pockets with
the other to find a nickel.
Yes, they were off; and never had the
regal vehicle held more cubic feet of real
happiness than that night. They were
much too happy to long conform to that
artful grouping which the magnate had
arranged, for every one was eager to try
each luxurious seat and exhaust the
scope of view in every window. Then
they made the tour of the car under ex-
planatory Jim, whose narrative and de-