The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1894-03-03

! w tC Dccu on Tie xOou 1oF Qyc OF Oh
years and know every turn to it, You
understand that this is the best run ON
the road, and hope you'll show us that
our confidence has not been misplaced.
You will take the train out at IL 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
congratulation to him. The depot
employees all had something pleasant
and encouraging to say. He felt the ella
ton of born commander as he strobe
proudly about surveying the prepara-
tons for departure and giving orders to
his crew. The blood tingled in his
veins; it was good to be alive.
The breathing of the engine came
louder and faster. Passengers were
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 orders 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 fagman. The
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 keep your eyes open.
Get good load tonight" he added.
Yes" said Butch. 'everything's all
right and 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 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 mp. It's
going through to the north-a wedding
party, l think. You'll carry it as far
as Chattanooga"
"All right" said Butch, with a blush.
Marietta was associated with bridal
thoughts in his mind. 1.-THE car be-
longs to the president of some northern
road" the superintendent continued.
he lent 1t to a 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 hia
rain.
Its Tom Standings daughter" the
called after him, "and
le's a special friend of mine. Take
are of 'em."
Butch CROPPED blindly into the train.
which was now crawling away. He
had but indistinctly heard the superin-
endent's words. but the blow was the
'ruelest of his life. His hopes fell in a
hattered wreck. His promotion was
lothipg-he hated it. He threw his
head forward up> n the seat in front
md thought while the train rushed on.
ioskins passed through several times.
md seeing no change, shook him.
'Cap'n," said he. "we're nearly to
Marietta Butch looked up. I'm
lex. Hoskins," he said, huskily, Twill
'ou look at the train and private car at
darietta?
The private car at Marietta was filed
With merry wedding party. Hoskins
ooked after the party conscientiouslv.
diss Staining was ENTERTAINMENT
'eautiful tonight A soft flush in her
heeks was the expression of her hap
iness. Her husband was a manly-
ooking young fellow and prosperous
boxing, Hoskins thought He was
7orrying about connections at Chatta-
ooga- TELL the conductor to come
here" he instructed Hoskins. THE
apn's sick, sir" replied Hoskins 81
rant him just a moment" the groom
ersisted, II only want him to tell
bout some schedules"
Hoskins was wise man in his dav
nd generation. He had recognized |
ne bride and he did not 20 to Butch
18th the groom's message. After re-
tanning absent reasonable time he
sturned with the message that the
cap'n said he couldn't come" The
room was fretted. "Who is the CON-
uctor?' Miss Staining asked. ut
mt be Mr. Hollis?" no" said
oskins, ''it's new man-we call him
utch." ''Oh," she said. hastily, do
ot mind-don't ask him to come,
At length Butch arose. HIS face wa.
trife pale, but very calm. In the
REF hour that he sat thinking he had
solved to throw away his life, drop
IS career and become worse than he
lSA. Il. l. -