Cañon City record., 1902-09-11
HIS LUCKY "FARE"
Copyright. 1902. by the g. s. Mcclure
Company.l

| Jerry pulled the strap sayageIy 4
bitter expression sat strangely on his
frank, open face.
The girl looked wonderIngly at him
as she held out her hand for the trans
fer. But his seowl only deepened.
She was like Mary-the Mary who
had disappointed him.
The girls face made his grievance
fresh again. When lie went back to
the platform. he lived again through
the last nights quarrel. Till then they
had been 80 happy in plans for the fu-
ture as TO be almost content with the
enforced waiting. We won't get mar
ried till we can set up housekeeping
right" Mary had said, and he had ac-
quiesced-
But last night he had felt as If he
could wait no longer and had proposed
a hasty marriage.
Il won't marry in debt" said Ma y.
And she broke down and cried.
Her tears touched him, still touched
him. but now, as then, pride put aside
| the picture of the forlorn little figure
She had refused to marry him, after all
| their plightei troth. The whole world
looked upside down 10 Jerry Lannigan.
He stopped the car mechanically as
he saw a wildly waving figure at the
next crossing. II proved u stout. over
dressed woman, who lounced into the
car and nearly annihilated the girl as
she JaInmcd into seat by her side.
Jerry stepped forward for her fare.
She kept him standing there for sew
MI 1.E IaFg
ly through her shopping bag for the
change. Then when he was half way
up the car she called him back.
See here. young man; what street
do get on at for 1876 Columbus?''
Il don't know. It's not on my line"
he answered shortly as he backed of.
The stout woman became indignant.
and her voice followed him.
Don't know? Why don't you know:
You are nice sort OF person for
conductor? What do you suppose you
are here for
Poor Jerry was in no mood for ar
gument. aud with such an unreasona-
ble creature as woman. He knew
the fuiilny Of 1t. His face flushed as
he said l,otly To know my own busi-
hes and mind III
The woman sark back with an eJac.
uiatian. Wien she had recovered her
breath. Jerry could hear her ssutter
ing about "Insolence" and reporting"
He was ashamed Of bis answer before
II had fairly crossed his lips. The girl
had heard him. But cold chill check
ed his words OF apology as his eyes fell
upon n man sitting farther down the
car. u was Inspector Burke. and he
was prtting number down In his
book. Ierry knew what that probably
meant--a dock for impertinence at the
end OF the run. He Strengthened Up
proudly. II was his first offense, and
there had been provocation- But they
could DO as they pleased. What did
he careg What did anything matter
now that Mary had gone back ON him.
Yet. as lac STROBE back to the plat
form. the girls eyes seemed TO look
pltyinEiy at him. and somehow il did
not hurt SO much. Mary would have
looked like that-bcfore last night.
\ mist seemed TO pass before his
eyes. He brushed his hand roughly
across them. When he looked into the
car. the girl was standing up. She
wanted TO get OF at the next crossing.
lie stopped the car and helped her
carefully down the step. She looked
up at him gratefully.
Thank your she said. Don't wor.
ry about the inspector. Perhaps | can
put In n good word Tor YOU"
He looked down Mt her In spccchless
wonder, In his bewildcrmeut he did
not notice that cab had driven mp to
the curb and that between the cab and
the car n deputy iirc chief was racing
down the street TO a fire.
The girl saw. but ii was too late, for
the horse was almost upon her. Her
cry warned Jerry. lnstinctively he
graspcd the side rail OF the car and
| leaned forward. Throwing his arm
about her. he eScrtcd all his strength,
drew her to the platform and fairly
threw her against the gate ON the 9th
er side. As his grasp relaxed the re
coil swung him round and out. Il part
| OF the buggy caught in his side pocket,
| and he was dashed to the pavement.
but behind tine flying wheels.
When he awoke. II was in n corner
drugstore. and the Inspector and the
girl were leaning over him.
He tried 10 sit up. but fell back diz-
zily from the pain in his right arm.
He forgot that he was not alone. I'm
out OF my job sure now." he groancd
"My right arm must be broken
Then he remembered and flushed
shamcfaccdly as he saw the look of
pain on the girls face. Its gil right,
| miss he said chcerfully. 1T was all
my fault. because ought TO have seen.
l am only glad that you are safe"
The girls eyes were shining with
tears "Yon are brave fellow.
might have been killed-we might have