The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-08-24

who had sent Sanford on ten mile
ride to Barlow after murder that
never took place. To all outward APP
pearances the incident was long since
forgotten, but, as we soon learned, the
whole evenings enjoyment was only
an adjunct to a carefully cOncocted
plan of Sandy's to pay them off.
Out of doors it was terrible night,
very cold and stormy, a steady fall of
snow and sleet being driven against
the panes by fierce northwest wind.
The weather bureau must have been
taken into Sandy's confidence. In
doors all was life and cheerfulness.
We were gathered in a large apart
ment ON the second floor, used by our
host as his own private lounging-room.
In the fireplace burned a bright and
roaring wood fire.
The room abounded in comfortable
easy chairs, and each chair contained
happy journalist. Such q meeting
as this always brings enjoyment to a
Bohemian. Inspired by the cheerful
fire, we waxed talkative, and many a
good story was related. Several Of
the company were accomplished musi-
clans, and varied the talk by selec-
tions, both vocal and instrumental.
After two hours or more had pleas
sntly passed in this manner, Sandy's
sister invited us down stairs to par
take of refreshments. Led by her
brother we went to the dining room
and took seats around the we'll laden
table. We had hardly seated our
selves, however, when the bell rang
Old Aunt Sallie, the servant, answered
the summons. She returned at once
bearing letter which had been left
by messenger boy. 1t was addressed
to Benham of the Times. He read it,
and then threw it impatiently across
the table to Stevens.
''What is it?" we asked, seeing by
their looks it was unwelcome.
Stevens read to us as follows:
"Mr. Benham: have Just received word
of bad wreck on tho railroad at Smith
town. A passenger train eollided with a
freight, causing great loss OF life and prop
erty. Go down and get all you can about
it. We will get out u paper tomorrow II
the news warrants 1t. Take team to
Chappell's Station. l will wire further
instructions TO you at that point, and will
provide transportation from there to Smith
town.
"DowNEs, city editor, Times"
up. Stake Stevens with you and have
him make few sketches. D."
"Well, are you going?" asked one of
the company.
'I suppose we shall have to-" re-
sponded Benham.
Without waiting to finish the rerast
they left the table, and, donning their
caps and ulsters, went out into the
storm. 1t was an awful night to send
men after news, no matter how i'm
portant it might be; but when the true
reporter gets an order to go, he goes
with never thought of the difficulties
awaiting him.
As they closed the outside door, O
fierce gust of wind assailed them that
almost took their breath away, They
bent their heads to the blast and
slowly plowed their way down the
street to the nearest stable. The
place was closed, but their repeated
knocks awakened the night hostler,
who was taking quiet nap on the
sly.
Glitch up pair, Of horses for us,
and drive us down to Chappell's
Station" ordered Benham.
81 will for a ten dollar bill, " said
the sleepy hostler.
"Never mind the tax, said Stevens.
'"The Times will pay that"
1t took some time-an hour it
seemed to the waiting ahd impatient
men-to hitch up; but all things were
finally accomplished, and the two men,
bundled up in fur robes, climbed in
behind the driver, and they started
toward the little country station, six
miles away, at as good pace as the
fierce wind and deep snow allowed.
1t was an awful ride, bundled up
though they were-a ride neither of
them ever forgot. Nevertheless the
thought of the big story to be obtained
made them fairly content with the
hardships involved. Although the
distance was only six miles, it took
them an hour and half to accomplish
it, 'and it was just midnight when
their sleigh drew up beside the
platform of the little station.
There was q turnout at Chappells
where trains often met, so there was
an operator on duty at night. They
could see him now sitting at his instru.
ment, writing as if taking a message.
Both men alighted.
'You can go back" said Benham,
to the driver. 1--WE are going on down
the road"
"All right, sir" he answered.
He wasted no time, but, turning
his horses head homeward, started of
toward Crandall at rapid pace. They
stood ON the platform and watched
the sleigh until it disappeared over the
first hill, then entered the station,
The operator glanced mp from his
writing as he heard the door open.
"Have you any message for Ben
ham?" asked the owner Of that name
eyes, SIR" he answered; ''it has just
come"
He handed the reported a slip oI
yellow paper. Benham read it through
in silence and gave it to his compan
ion without any comment. These were
the words that stared at the two men
"Do you remember sending an unsophls
tlcated young man ten miles off In th'
country ON a wild goose chase last sum
MARI Won havn hnan annf nn a aImilnI