Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1897-01-28
A LOST SWEETHEART.
BIZ CHARLES APPLEBEE.

He was a tall, broad-shouldered fell
low of less than 80, with twinkling blue
eyes, and as he stepped aboard the
old Shackamaxon at the New York
barge office one hot June day to go to
Ellis island, where immigrants are re-
ceived, his face wore a look of pleased
expectancy and his step was quick and
springing.
An hour or so later, when he stepped
off the rickety old ferryboat, his eyes
had lost their luster, the buoyaney of
his manner had disappeared almost
completely, and the smile on his face
was superseded by a thoroughly puz-
zled expression. But there was no in
decision or dilly-dallying in his move
ments. He was in such a hurry to
leave the boat that he got in the way
OF the decixhands when they were ad-
justing the gang plank, and, in spite of
their vigorously repeated advice to
''talIe time enough" he was on the dock
almost before the plank was in place.
If you have ever frequented the New
York barge Office you will remember
that it is a rather picturesque gray
stone building standing next the Sta
ten island ferryhouse at the Battery
and facing the park. The upper floors
are devoted to various offices, in one
way and another connected with the
shipping interests of the port, while a
part of the ground floor is used for the
temporary storage of baggage, and the
remainder is occupied by an employ
ment bureau, conducted without cost
TO such applicants for work as are new
~ landed immigrants. 1t was to this
bureau the young man fastened with
long strides, and his face wore so
htraineda look when he appeared before
the superintendent as to startle that
official, in spite of his familiarity with
distracted individuals in search of their
friends.
"Pm Terence Mallory, sir said the
newcomer, in speech wherein the en-
gaging brogue of the old sod mingled
with the harsher accents that may be
acquired only through life on the west
ern prairies, land sure, Tn lookin' for
a young woman, by name Mary DOMAIN.
She landed some two weeks Wednes-
day, sir, and they think she came here
to look for a situation. She's my
sweetheart, sir. / saved my wages and
l.
searchin' for her now, and I'll not
mind the expense If you'll be kind
enough to help me.
when it came time for me to come
and meet her / had an accident and
had to wait little. But telegraphe1
TO her and sent her some money. She
didn't get either. sir, and I'm that wor-
ried l don't know what to do. Dye
think you can help me?"
Certainly, certainly; We'll do what
we can," said the official. somewhat per-
functoriIy, relieved to find the case was
not more serious. Then he scanned the
pages of a big book of records till he
found the name.
Here it isl he said, SDonan, Mary
May &c she came here. On the same day
she got place in restaurant"
And he gave the street and number
IN the young man who hurried out
again, all smiles and with his blue eyes
once more twinkling their brightest.
AT the restaurant, however, he found
only disappointment. There had been
q Mary DOMAIN there but she had left
after two days service.
ibid she have great big gray eyes?
And was her hair long and bright
brown, and was there a dimple on each
cheek? And do you know where she is
now?" queried the eager Terence of the
woman cashier.
''Why yes, you might describe her
that way" was the rather chilling re-
ply, "but I've no idea where she went
To-" Then relenting at the distressed
look in the young mans face the wom-
ar added: Seems TO me ] did hear