The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1901-08-02
49, y g. t.! G

to pack in fresh waste and "touch
'em up somehow" Any man who
had spent week about a railway
before that coach had run more than
it's own length, but it wouldn't do for
an employe to say SO. The corporal
looked appealingsy at his fellow pas
sengers of the Rio Grande train.
There were dozens of them stretch
ing their legs and strolling about the
platform. after getting their hand
luggage transferred and seats Sc
cured but there was no one in posi-
ton or authority to interpose. Some
seemed to feel no interest.
Get your rations and plumber
aboard" he ordered, turning sudden
ly to his party, and, loading up with
blankets, overcoats, haversacks and
canteens, the recruits speedily took
possession of their new quarters,
forced open the damned windows to
let out the imprisoned and overhead
ed air, piled their boxes of hard
bread and stacks of timed meat at
the ends and their scant soldier
goods and chattels in the rude Sec
tions, then tumbled out again upon
the platform to enjoy, while yet
there was time, the freedom of the
outer air, despite the torrid heat of
the midday sunshine.
In knots of three or four they
sauntered about. their hands deep in
their empty pockets, their boyish
eyes curiously studying the signs and
posters. or wistfully peering through
the screened doors at the tempta-
lions of the bar and lunch counter or
the shaded windows of the dining
room. where luckier fellow-passen-
gers were taking their fill of
the good cheer afforded. Two of the
number, dressed like the rest in blue
flannel shirts, with trousers of light
er blue and heavier make, tanning
their heated faces with their drab,
broad-brimmed campaign hats,
swung off the rear end of the objec-
tionable car, and with quick glance
about them, started briskly down
the track to where the "diner" and
certain sleepers of the Southern Pa
cific were being shunted about.
Come back here, you fellers!''
shouted the corporal, catching sight
of the pair. you don't know how
soon this here train may start. Come
back. l say" he added, empha tically,
as the two, looking first into each
others eyes, seemed to hesitate.
Then, with sullen. downcast face, the
nearer turned and slowly obeyed.
The other. bright, merry youngster,
whose teeth cleaned as he laughed
his reply, still stood in his tracks.
Were only going to the dining
car. corporal" he shouted. "That's
going with us, SO we can't be left"
you've got no business in the din
ing car. Mellen; that's not for your
sort. or mine. for that matter" was
the corporaPs ultimatum. And with
a grin still expanding his broad
mouth, the recruit addressed as
Mellen came reluctantly sauntering
in the trail of his comrade, who had
submitted in silence and yet not
without shrug of protest. 1t was
to the latter the corporal spoke when
the two had rejoined their associ-
ates.
You've got sense enough to know
you're not wanted at that diner,
Murray, whether Mellen has or not.
That's no place for empty pockets.
What took you there?"
Wanted a drink, and YOU said:
Keep away from the bar-room,' an
swered Murray, briefly, his gray eyes
glancing about from man to man in
the group. resting for just second
on the form and features of one who
stood little apart, youth of 81
years. probably. ''It was Fosters
treat" he added, and that remark
transferred the attention of the
party at the instant to the Young
ster on the outskirts.
He had been leaning with folded
arms against lamp post, looking
YEARLY up the platform
to where, in pairs or little groups,
the passengers were strolling, men
and women both, seeking relief from
the constraint and stiffness of the
long ride by rail. He had an inter-
a handsome-face, and
his figure was well knit, well proper
toned. His eyes were a dark, soft !
brown, with very long, curving
Iashes. his nose straight. his mouth |
finely curved, soft and sensitive. His
throat was full, round, and at the |
base very white and fair, as the UNI
fastened and Tapping shirt collar