The suburban citizen., 1902-12-27


its customary pause at Gran
than station while the en-
gines were changed for the
next long run, 100 miles, to York.
1t was not a crowded train, as l
easily perceived when 1 alighted with
the rest to stretch my legs. Most of
the passengers had turned out too, and
we lounged about, staring at each
other without keen interest until time
was up and the sharp cries of Take
your seats,' "Now for the North" sent
US back to our carriages.
l had a compartment to myself, and
l regained It without paying particular
attention TO those nearest me, save in
the vague, unconscious fashion that
would hardly serve for later recogni-
Non. One man 1 noticed in the next
carriage-he and l alone were travel
ing first" at any rate, in that part of
the train-but do not think should
have known him again but for his
travelling cap with the lappets tied
under his chin and his loose ulster
with a cape-distinct facts in his ap-
pearance, although they made little
impression on me at the time.
Then another matter claimed my
notice. There were sudden cries,
"Now, sir, now! If you're going on.
look sharp, sir, please" l saw q man.
a laggard, hurrying down the plat
form, putting breathlessly in evident
distress, as though the pace was too
great for him.
He made straight for where sat
but stopped one compartment short of
mine, and as the train was already
moving they hustled him in neck and
crop; the signal was given, Right"
the whistle sounded, the engine driver
blew a response, and We steamed
ahead full speed.
felt rather concerned about this
neighbor and late arrival. His white
face, his staring eyeballs and hanging
tongue told Of great physical eXhaus-
tion, and l fancied that 1 heard n
groan as he tumbled into his carriage.
Evidently he had run it very close
had come upon the platform at the
very last moment, and had all but
missed his train. He had only just
Joined it, of that felt sure, for I had
not observed him on our departure
from Kings Cross nor here at Gran
than. Why had he been so anxious
TO save his passage and such peril to
himself? For he was I'LL made sure
he was ill-so sure that l threw down
my window and, leaning out, shouted
to the next compartment, asking if
anything was wrong.
No answer came. or it was lost in the
rattle and turmoil Of the express.
Once again l called out, having no
certainty that I could be heard. but
certain at last that 1 heard no reply.
Why should l worry further? The
next compartment was not empty. tho
/ knew. If the newcomer was really
I'll and wanted help he could get it
from his travelling companion, the man
in the loose ulster and cap tied under
his chin, whom believed to be in the
carriage with him. SO dismissed the
matter from my mind and sank back
among the cushions Of my seat to rest
and be satisfied.
/ must have dozed off, but only for
a minute or two as l though, and /
seemed to be still asleep and dreaming
when again l heard n groan in the
next carriage. 1t was a perfectly vivid
and distinct impression, as half wax
ing dreams so often are. I could not
at the moment say whether what fol-
lowed was reality or a figment also
of my drowsy brain. What | heard
/ have said was a groan fraught with
keen anguish; what I saw was quite
as clear but still more extraordinary
and unaccountable.
The train had slowed down and was
almost at standstill We were in n
tunnel; the lamps in the carriages
threw a strong light upon the brick
walls and reflected all that was going
on In the compartment next mine
mone Of the others near had any Occu-
pano.
But in this the adjoining cOmpart-
ment two figures stood out plainly
mems figures, and one held the other
closely in his arms. More than this
j could not make out. saw it clearly.
although but brief space only. a few
seconds Of time, for now the train
moved on rapidly with increasing
speed, and we ran out OF the tunnel.
The reflected scene Of course disap.
peared at once as completely as though
wiped Off a slate.
There was trouble next door, OF what
nature 1t was impossible to guess, but
I felt that it must be ascertalned forth.
with. If It was a case Of serious Ill.
ness then the one hale man would
surely ring the alarm bell and seek
assistance for the other; II It was foul
play he would make no sign. and II
then became my bounden duty 10 In.
terpose without delay.
These thoughts flashed quickly