Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-12-09

@ Aweary passengers in
the 'Pullman" continued to read, ,yawn,
or gaze from the windows with the same
apathy which had characterized their
interest since they had reached the
monotony of Arizona. But when the
halt was protracted and the train en-
ployes began to rush through the car with
excitement expressed on their usually
stolid faces, one after another the four
travellers grew curious to discover
through the steam covered panes the
cause of this fresh detention.
The old gentleman in the end section
muttered a mild oath aud bruised his
fingers in vain attempt to raise the
double sashes, then settled back with a
sigh and touched the button for Joe.
That long-suffering creature failing to
respond, the ringing was prolonged till
the jingling of the bell reused the occu-
pant of the state room from her nap, aud
she appeared at its door with surprised
inquiry on her countenauce. One glance
showed her that it was Number Eleven
who was mauifesting so much i'm
patience; a second, that the train was
standing still above a wonderful gorge.
ooh, sir has anything happened9"
demanded Miss DenslOw, strangely
ready to take alarm on that lonely home
ward journey in midwinter.
"That's what am trying to find out
Where the-Don't allow yourself to be
disturbed, miss. will-Joe! Joe por-
teri" Voice was added to ring in the
summons for the attendant.
The audacious, aggressive CONNER
cial traveller, in section four, rose and
came down the aisle.
"l'll find that porter, and III find out
what's up" be remarked to Helen in
passing.
She ignored him, but after he had
disappeared walked through the car and
seated herself before a window.
''Why, this is Canon Diablo! Strange
l did not recognize it."
Brightly named, too, retorted Num-
Der Eleven. "Seems as if all the imps
in creation had been hired to pile those
rocks there Wonder il that porter ism I
one Of them, and gone to join his fell
lows. If it we're not for this foot I'd
soon find out what's the matter. Joseph
PHI" Ting.a-ling-A-ling!
"Well, there's Jonah somewhere
on this train, sure. Never made such q
! trip since I've been on the road, and
that's four years. We're five hours late
now, and the bridge all torn upl" ex.
claimed the guard, entering hastily.
"The bridge torn .upl What do yo'
meant" thundered Number Eleven.
"Fact, Some world-be robbers, o
'greasers, been at work. Indians may
be-"
"What-what will become of usl'
asked Miss Denslow, family.
"ohl l forgot there was lad
aboard, or l wouldn't have said that
But we'll be all right. Found the thin,
out in time"
"But you have said it. Now tell me
what is to be donei"
SEQ back, of course, till the track
repaired. We're beginning to NOV
now. Seel But, upon my word, IL
like to know who the fellow is. View
broken an axle, blown out a cyliude
head, smashed the windows of the tour
ist car-had about forty such hinder
ances since we left Los Angeles-an,
now stalled here for nobody knows hor
long"
Pullman conductors are less wary il
their conversation than train conductors
on whose shoulders responsibility rests
they are apt to be chatty and CON
muuicstive. They regard tue travelling
public as guest to be entertained i
one fashion or another.
Helen Denslow did not look as if
were pleasant fom Of entertainment
just then employed.
"How far back must we got Ho'
long will it takel''
al hope not long" and to ward o
further inquiry the official departed.
The girl looked hopelessly around.
reality her situation had not changed
She was no more alone than before, whe
the consciousness Of motion, progres
had given her a sense of nearness to h
rest of the world; but now that Il
progress bad ceased she felt as if sh
we're. She observed afresh her con
panions in the "Fucino." She had e,
changed speech with but one of then
the gouty and ancient New Yorker i
section eleven. The somnolent presid
ing elder in number FIVE was awake {
last, and mildly curious, though as e'
asperatingly placid as il being stalled o
alrestle two hundred feet above th