The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-10-25
HER SISTERS KEEPER.
nv TAT,rA

sleepy drummer who before the end of our
short journey snored, or at least almost
snored a tune; couple of horse traders
who talked loud and long of the merits of
one particular horse, tall, lank, swarthy
girl and her mother. who were coming to
'Injunopolis" to see the mothers sister
who, she related to the long-suffering
conductor she hadn't seen fur seven
years, not but what I've ben asked, but 1
ben waitin' fur the monument to be higher
done, an Jane wrote that she didn't know
whenever that d be- so jes picked up an
cum There were two other people in the
car. I sat behind them, but did not par
ticularly notice them until the conductor
came for our tickets. They were two old
women. The older one seemed to be near
seventy, large, raw-boned, with a mas
culine face and white hair She wore
black wool dress and a black shawl. The
other woman was smaller and looked to be
about fifteen years younger, with a re-
markably meek looking face, which was
mass of fine wrinkles. Her dress was of
black calico. figured with blue rosebuds,
black and green shawl and black cotton
gloves. 1t looked exactly as if they had
made mistake and each had worn the
others bonnet, the large woman
wore the small bonnet and the
small woman wore the large bonnet.
belole inc conductor reached ner the Old
er woman sprang up and began to search
for her ticket. 1t seemed in vain for a
time. She finally took things out of her
pocket, one at time, and placed them on
the seat; spool of black thread, a door
key, sample of tea, two folded handker-
chiefs, of them probably the property
of the other woman a small bunch of sage
and, last of all, a dilapidated pocketbook,
with the much-wanted tickets.
Il knowed / had 'em, sure" she said to
the waiting conductor. 1 made this deep
pocket purpose, and put mine and hern
in it. / wuz afraid they'd git lost. She"
pointing to the other woman, lis my Sis
ter and hain't ben round much, SOL
The sister turned.
Jaw, now, Hester. I've BEN
Never you mind when I'm tallkin'."
Where was it you were going to say you
had been?' asked the conductor.
She flushed and looked inquiringly at
Hester.
We'll, tell him, Marthy Ellun, and don't
keep him waitn' all day"
well wuz jest going to say I'd ben
down to Posey County twict to see our
brother Eli"
She turned away and I think I one
or two tears fall The sister talked to
the amused conductor.
you'll tell US. o. course, when git
there. i wouldn't worry a Bit but Marthy
EIIuns afraid well be took ON through, an
you telin' her might settle her some"
Marthy Ellun turned toward her. She
looked almost angry.
Lean back an rest bit, Marthy Ellun,
or you'll be all wore out
The conductor left them and came down
the aisle with twinkle in his eyes. The
two old ladies sat quietly for while. Then
the older one leaned over the other and
drew the shawl around her and patted one
Of her hands lovingly.
"Oh. now, thought you WIZ asleep,
Marthy ELlun, an 1 felt downright glad"
mo, Hester. I wuz jes a thinkin' that
hedn't set by that winder sence we left
home an that we're mighty nigh there an
I won't git to at ALL
''Well, eff 1 ever heerd SIGH a speech.
YOU ungrateful girl, when L fetched you
here thinkn' you'd like it. An when my
eyes is so bad, too I'm afraid, Marthy
Ellun, that the Lord will punish you when
you git old by taking your sight away for
SIGH thought. Tonight we'll pray about
it."
She turned her back on Marthy and
closed her lips tightly.
Jaw, now, Hester, forgot your eyes is
bad. Pom my word, 1 don't want to set
by no winder. I'm reel sorry, an you air
good to me. I'm most choked fur drink
Hester. Where do you git one when you're
travelin'?'
"Set still now, Marthy Ellun, while I get
you a drink. 1 knowed you'd be sorry
when you'd thought over dom wrong.'
The old lady had a hard time staggering
to the end of the car. She twisted and
turned the faucet, but all in vain. AT last
she came back.
.'The thing is plumb empty. else It's
chugged up with mud. I've heered it's
dretful Unhealthy; anyhow. You can wait
a SPELL can't you Marthy Ellun?"
The sister allowed she could do with
out the drink for while, but, being curl
Gus to know whether there was really no
water there or not, went for drink /
carried one to the Choking Martha They
looked at me- especially the older woman,
suspiciously, but took the glass. Before
Martha had finished drinking. however her
sister took it from her and drank the rest.
$50 much cold water" said she, wiping
her mouth with her shawl, "ain't good fur
you. She's much cbleeged to you." she
said to me, noddiug toward the sister.
We were nearing the city. The sleepy
drummer put his overcoat swore a
small swear at the slowness of the train |
then settled himself to sleep the remaining |
few minutes. The tall girl and her mother |
were ready to get off fifteen minutes before |
the train stopped. and stood up most of the !
time. Martha glanced apprehensively to-
ward the door. evidently looking for the |
conductor. Her sister rummaged in the |
bottom of an immense basket, bringing |
from its depths a small black shawl, which |
she began tying around Marthas head.
Jaw, now, Hester, I'll look SO bad with |
~
Look bad, Who keers, I wonder? You |
amt goin to have a cold in your head If |
you look like q fright. Let that be just |
like I tied it,
But. Hester. the knot hurts my neck |
powerful bad"
II fixed it jes as it's agoin to stay. I've |
spilled you to thinlxin' you kin hav your
own way allus long enough. That knot |
there'll keep you from getting sore throat"
Martha folded her hands meekly. Hester
gathered their many belongings together
and piled them in n seat. Each time the |
brakeman passed through the car the old
ladies eyed him in the same manner they
had me. Finally the conductor came in
Both the women looked relieved.
well, my friends" said he, we've
reached the end of our journey. Anybody