The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-01-18

You've been on the road for five or six
years and know every turn to 1t. You
understand that this is the best run, on
the road, and l hope you'll show us hat
| our confidence has not been misplaced.
| You will take the train out at / o'clock
tonight"
How he got through that Afternoon
Butch will never know. The intoxica-
ton of hope realized rendered HIM OBJ
livious to ordinary occurrences. He
walked upon mountains. He was at
his train an hour before it was sched-
uled to leave. He had invested in a
bright new uniform and cap and was
picture of fresh and vigorous young
manhood as he moved about his hand
some train. Hoskins, who had been
transferred with him, pointed out with
pride the ''dandiest cap'n on the road
Miggs the engineer, shouted words of
cocgratulation to him. The depot
employees all had something pleasant
and encouraging to say, He felt theeia-
ton of born commander as he strobe
proudly about surveying the prepara-
lions for departure and giving orders ia
his crew. The blood tingled in his
veins; it was good to be alive.
The breathing of the engine came
louder and faster. Passengers we're
hurrying in from the street, and the
hustle that precedes departure had be-
gun. Capt Butch was serene and
happy through it all He pointed pas
sengers to their cars, gave ordeS to
porters and trainmen and answered. IN
quiries with the easy manner of vet
eran.
Hoskins touched him on the arm:
"Cap'n, the superintendent is down at
the end of the train and he wants to
see YOU said the old flagman. The
superintendent had dropped into the
depot going home from his office and
he stood watching Butch for a few
minutes before sending for him.
Seem to take it naturally" said he,
as the young conductor stepped up.
II don't think you'll have any trouble,
ut you'll have to lleepyour eyes open.
Get a good load tonight" he added
YES" said Butch, 'everything's all
right and l don't expect any trouble.
I'll do my best" He glanced at his
watch; it lacked but two minutes of
leaving time. The engine had backed
against the cars with jar. YES"
said the superintendent, 81 believe that.
It's about leaving time, isn't it? Here's
a matter l want You to attend to-" He
held up slip of yellow paper which he
had all the time been holding in his
hand. There's private car at Mari
eta that | want you to pick up. It's
/ going through to the north-a wedding
party, l think. You'll carry it as lar
as Chattanooga"
''All right, said Butch, with blush.
Marietta was associated with bridal
thoughts in his mind. The car be-
longs to the presidento of some northern
road" the superintendent continued,
/ 'he lent it to young fellow connected
/ with the road who married at Marietta
tonight Quite a nice party. Give
EN- all the attention you can"
/ Butch bowed and started toward his
train.
"It's Tom Standings daughter" the
superintendent called after him, land
he's a special friend of mine Take
care of 'em."
| Butch CROPPED blindlv into the tran,
which was now crawling away. He
had but indistinctly heard the superin-
tendent's words, but the blow was the
cruelest of his life. His hopes fell in
shattered wreck. His promotion was
! nOfhinU-ha hated -
head forward up>n the seat in front
and thought while the train rushed on.
Hoskins passed through several times,
and seeing no change, shook him.
"Capn," said he, we're nearly to
Marietta. Butch looked up. I'm
sick, Hoskins." he said, huskilv, will
you look at the train and private car at
Marietta?'
The private car at Marietta was filed
with merry wedding party. Hoskins
looked after the party conscientiously.
Miss Staining was enUertainingly
beautiful tonight. soft flush in her
cheeks was the expression of her hap
| plness. Her husband was manly
looking young fellow and prosperous
| looking, Hoskins thought He was
worrying about connections at Chatta-
nooga. Tell the conductor to come
in here" he instructed Hoskins. The
cap'n's sick, SIR" replied Hoslins. Il
want him just a isoment," the groom
persisted, II only want him to tell
| about some schedules"
Hoskins was a wise man in his dav
and generation. He had recognized
the bride and he did not go to Butch
with the groom's message. After re-
naming absent reasonable time he
returned with the message that the
'cap'n said he couldn't come" The
groom was fretted. WHO is the con-
ductor?" Miss Staining asked. 1T
can't be Mr.. Hollis?'' No" said
Hoskins, its a new man-we call him
Butch" ''Oh," she said. hastily, "do
not mind-don't ask him to come"
At length Butch arose. HIS face was
trifle pale, but very calm. In the
brief hour that he sat thinking he had
resolved to throw away his life drop
his career and become worse than he
had been when he first knew her. His
career meant nothing to him unless
it meant something to her Then
came reaction. The old purpose
came back with redoubled force. The
influence of the years of discipline and
work was too great to be lost now, and