St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1901-11-16
O., Wings Of
Steam ~ n ~
~ FRANK X. T1NNEcAN
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Copyrighted by Daily Story Pub. Coy

N0py119neod by Daily Story Pub. Coz
7 Is 60 miles from Clinton to De
Forrest. That geographical fact,
hitherto OF interest chiefly to the
farmers and other shippers from De
Forrest who had to pay freight bills,
entered into the life of three or four
people In most unexpected way and
aad its unconscious part in shaping
their destinies.
Thursday, the 18th of the month, l
will be here at home again, dearest"
said Harry Weaver, clasping closer to
him the slender figure of Myrtle
Dunno, "and then for our wedding, our
aong-delayed, oft-postponed wedding"
II should say it has been long-de-
layed," pouted the girl, looking up at
him, .'do you know this is the fourth
time we have been as close as this to
the date, and each time some thing has
occurred to cause a postponement?
Once your train was wrecked on the
road; then your mother died the week
!. set for the wedding; then only last
year, your firm failed and you feared
- undertake married life. Oh, Harry.
I have q presentiment that something
will happen. I've an idea we will never
be married"
sNonsense, little one," laughed
Weaver, "all the things that have hap
pened IN the past have been unfortu-
nate condolences, but now everything
@ clear sailing and when I finish my
present trip on the road, I'll run in
here on the 18th and we'n be quietly
married by old DR.. Rogers, and then
your fears will be at rest. By the way,
Myrtle, there was something ! want
cd to speak to yon about. A certain
party here has been busy enough to
ten me that you have been to dances
once or twice with Tom Kelly while l
Vas on this last trip. Now, OF course,
Z amt jealous, you know, but would
Mt do that If were you. don't think
It looks right in girl that's to be
married so soon."
Myrtle had slipped hurriedly out Of
his arms at the mention of Tom KEEL
iy's name.
ssNr. Kelly and have been very dear
friends since childhood" she said,
rether sharply, land he has been good
enough to take pity on my loneliness
/ and offer to escort me to one or two
nlaces. Am to be shut up in nun
merry while you are on the road, l
y should like to know"
ooh, nc" said Weaver, hastily, "don't
be angry, dear. meant it kindly.
/ Now / must tear myself away to catch
the 7:45 for Clinton. Remember,
bright and early on the 18th I'll come
g claim You and then no more worry
Ing"
h h kissed her and hurried away into
/ the darkness and she returned home
I yery grave and quiet. De Forrest is
not large or lively place at best, and
Mvrtle found it very dull when the
handsome travelling man was away
1 a the road, which was pretty much all
a the time. Indeed, lately she had be-
s.un to find 1t dull when he was there
srd to wonder what sort of life she
( .hnuld lead as his wife and whether
lsshe were doing right in wedding man
NO could be with her but once or
i 4vice 4 month. OF course Tom helped
M relieve the monotony. Dear old
Tnml They had studied from the
nc book in school and he seemed to
;sEnow there was shadow forming In
m. mind Of his old playmate.
sss Tom was the telegraph operator At
~ railroad depot in De Forrest and
!. D. sss.ah time as he was free from the
I ssslrinr OF The key he spent with
Il s;Srrtle. And the travelling salesman
/ "a scant courtesy for the good look
4 ~ operator that night as he waited
u ~ Me train outside the little window
IN the station.
81 week later Harry Weaver awoke
... morning in his berth in Pullman
- and realized with jump of the
q n1ert that it was the 18th of the month
sas.eehis wedding day. The train was
\ .,,eedine along toward Clinton and he
se.tily dressed and prepared for the
icr1. slow, 60-mile ride across coun-
- n the accommodation train to De
/ Eerrest. There were not many trains
1 8. that branch and such as there were
I "a not make alarmingly fast time,
i ut Weaver's thoughts were running
! f.st that he imagined the flying ex-
{. & 1850 train was only crawling toward
1 Hinton.
I am time p he asked the conductor.
.sTen minutes Late" was the short
q toinder: