The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-08-01

lighted and full of men.
81 want to send a dispatch to the
New York Globe" she said to the first
man whose attention she could get.
you can't" said he and turned
away.
''This is public Office" said Mario
rie, astonished at her own boldness.
The man looked up at her. There was
little hesitation, and then second
man spoke to her:
"If you wait an hour or so, ma'am,
you can have the wire, but we're send
ing so many railroad messages now
that can't promise it to you short of
an hour"
Marjorie turned away in despair to
fiHd Muller by her side.
Il thought you wouldn't get a
show'm," he said. 'Them fellers is
railroad men-the depot master an the
local up'utendent, an the engineer
what escaped
They were standing in the doorway
of the station and across the square
could see an upper room brilliantly
lighted-the only place at hand that
was lighted.
There's the telephone exchange" ex-
claimed Marjorie. "Thats open all
night. I'm going to try that. Come
with me-" she commanded, starting
toward the light. you've got the
names of them all?"
Muller nodded and, preceding her up
the stairs, opened the door of the tele-
phone exchange. Central" was look
ing out of the window.
Erred" said Muller, "this Is Miss
Russell, who used to live here sum-
mers. She's reporter for New York
paper an wants to speak to it,
'Will you call it up at once, please.
I don't know the NUMBER"
whats the name? It'll cost you $2,"
said Central shortly. 1t was bad
enough not to be able to go to the
wrecked train without having to at
tend to call.
Cali right" replied Marjorie, produc-
ing her purse. This stirred central"
up. He devoted himself to his tele-
phone and after a one sided conversa-
ton of some length turned to Mar
jorie:
Got 'em now. Here y'are."
Marjorie took the receiver and leaned
against the table. Now that she was in
touch with The Globe Office she wanted
to drop the instrument and run. She
stood silent for moment.
Hello! What dye wantw came a
small voice in her ear.
The sound nerved Marjorie to her
task.
SIS this the New York Globe?' she
called.
eyes, it is. Who are you?"
SIS Mr. Hicks in?" Suppose he isn't,
thought Marjorie.)
eyes, he's in. Who are you?"
"Tell him Miss Russell, who saw him
about 3 o'clock esterday-today-
wants to see him. l am at Orleans.
There's been a big railroad accident
Hold the wire," came the order.
Marjorie waited breathlessly. Sup
pose Mr.. Hicks should not come or
should make light of her story.
"Well, Miss RUSSELL" came Mr.. Hicks
voice, whats this? Where are youY
''Pm at Orleans, about 1S0 miles from
the city," answered Marjorie. "The six
o'clock through express collided with a
freight train here about midnight and
killed ten persons and injured six"
''Why didn't you telegraph
'"The company has the wires. You
had a reporter on the train-tall, light
haired. l saw him in the Office yester-
day afternoon"
"Yes, Saunders. What's happened to
him?"
"He's-he's one of the ten." said Mar
jorie.
There was a sound as If chair had
been pushed back on rough floor; then
Mr.. Hicks said:
"I'll send a reporter to take down
your story. Tell him everything you
know, but remember that it's 1:30 and
getting later every minute"
"Now, then, Miss RUSSELL" began a
new voice. "begin, and I'll take you
down."
times up" said "centrap behind
Marjorie.
"Oh, Mr.-I don't know your name,"
cried Marjorie to her friend $50 miles
away-"my time is up, and have no
more money"
"Tell central to take your place a
minute" said the voice. Marjorie
obeyed and used the interval to talk
to Muller.
"Everything's all right" said "cen.
traP after few minutes, with SUBJ
dued air. as he handed the receiver
back to Marjorie. "Go ahead, ma'am,
longs you want"
The foreman Of Minnehaha hose was
good assistant. He gave what he
knew of the facts in order, and Mar
jorie detailed them to her unknown
friend, who at intervals piled her with
question after question. Between the
skillful stenographer at one end and
the intelligent girl at the other end Of
the wire 1t was not long before the
story of the accident was in The Globe
Office.
"Miss RUSSELL" said Mr.. Hicks so
suddenly that Marjorie jumped (she
had not noticed that her unknown
friend had given up his place., II am
much obliged to you. You've given us
big beat. Will you get .today's story
and send it to US for Mondays papers
Send it In by 6 o'clock tonight-by tel
ephone, I guess. I'll arrange for it. l
can count on you. Very we'll. Good