Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-06-25

and with WlSp OF a tall, was brought
out of his stall and trotted up and
down the street for inspection. He was
not pretty horse in any way, but
Carpenter gave me a nudge which
might be taken to indicate that the
animal met his approval. He drew me
aside, after having made a long and
thorough examination of the horse.
Eight years old, sound as a dollar;
wind and legs all right" said he, in
whisper. 1--WE seen him before. He's
good fer n mile under 2:4o. Quiet as II
lamb, no fool notions; sensible as a
Christian about trains-knows the
milne can't hurt him if he keeps off the
track"
whats the price?''
give hundred-asked," said he, with
strong emphasis on the last word.
whistled softly.
"Oh, that's the askin' price," he eX-
planned. ITS like woman's chignon:
it'll come off"
I'm in your hands," said I. Under.
stand, want your guarantee in this
business, and you'll be paid for it. Be-
sides the horse, need harness and Il
buggy"
WALL" said he, after q moments cal
culation, "Tll be fair with We. Will We
give me what can clear under $500 fer
the hull outfit, boss, light-runnin'
buggy, and a good harness?"
Its u bargain. I'll 60 to the bank,
draw the money, and bring it to you
here. Will you drive the rig to Bassett-
vile, so that I can get it there tonight
when come down by train?"
"By the time yer back from the bank
I'll have made the dicker and be ready
to start" said lie. And he was as good
as his word. Before noon the payment
had been made and my new horse was
trotting steadily along the road lead
ing from Trent. Carpenters praise of
the animal had been enough to end my
doubts as to his speed, but could not
but wish that the steed were more pleas
ing to look upon.
Though l wasted good deal of time
over a midday dinner and the various
commissions had to execute, found
upon reaching the railway station that
there was nearly an hour of waiting
ahead of me before the accommodation
train should begin its journey down the
road. The station, however, was not a
bad place in which to kill time, for two
lines met there, and the rapid ebb and
flow of the human tide continued from
morning to night. [ rubbed elbows
with stolid farmers, brisk townspeople
and nervous women, chattel for a mo-
ment with an acquaintance, and then
stepped out upon the platform in
search of some sheltered nook where n
cigar might be enjoyed in peace. ~
long train from the west monopoliZed
one of the tracks. 1t appeared to be
we'll filled with passengers, and |
strollcd the length of it, surveying
with some amusement the faces flat
tened against the windows of the cars,
faces old, middle-aged and young, but
all alike in their expression of vague
curiosity, as their owners watched the
stream Of travellers passing from the
waiting-rooms. l had nearly reached
the end of the last car, and had bent
down to strike match in the lee of it,
when l heard my name called.
"Nl, DR.. Norris, Dr. Morris, dear doc
tor, that's you, isn't it? Do come here,
quick, quick! The train will be start
ing in second, and l must see you!
Oh, doctor, doctor, quick, quick!"
l recognized the voice. 1t was that
Of Mrs. Loring, with all the old hurry
ing rush of words remembered so we'll.
Looking up, saw the itinerant sufferer
leaning far out of the car window, with
one arm waving wildly, as if to assist
in attracting fng attention. Pulling off
my hat, l sprang toward her.
ooh, this is fortunate, fortunate, doc
tor-you can't know how fortunate!"
she cried. 1--WE been anxious, so anx-
ious, to see you. How is my health?
Oh, doctor, it's terrible, terrible, worse
than ever, doctor; worse, much worse,
very much worse"
"And Miss Gray, is she still with
your ! asked, my eyes roaming over
the windows and seeking her niece's
face at one of them.
eyes, yes, dear girl, dear girl, she
never leaves me. How could she, and
have a heart? Mine, doctor, has been
up to 1870 minute"
Indeed" said I, throwing due pro-
fessional gravity into the word. II
trust Miss Gray is well?'
Eyes, yes, as well as ever. And n tenn
perature of 102, repeatedly, doctor, re-
peatedly."
"What, Miss Gray's tenn" cried I.
with no fictitious concern.
mo, no, mine. Dear me, doctor,
didn't tell you it was mine? Those
springs in Kentucky-we've just come
from thcm-they did Inc no good, I'm
sure. And l was so hopeful, doctor so
hopeful; the water had so many strange
things in it, was sure some of them
must help me-"
"Your case is a marvellous one, Mrs.
Loring," said I. evil you kindly pre-
sent my regards to your niece, and"
She stopped me with quick gesture.
"Please put your address here" said
she, thrusting note book toward me.
Hurry, please hurry-the train is be-
ginning to move. l have an idea that
Oh, thanks; yes, yes, see, Rodney
town. So good of you, yes, SO good.
Good-by, doctor good-by."
The train was fairly under Roadway
now, and l stood bowling low, but not
to the vanishing invalid. At the next
window to hers | had had glimpse
kept fresh in my memory and that had
figured in the little romance that had
crept into my existence.