Cañon City record., 1902-12-11


fussy. stout woman with two little
girls established herself behind him.
Why had he committed the incredi-
Bile folly of this journey? From a
sense of duty doubtless. 1t was time
that he did something substantial for
his aunts. his nearest living relatives.
two widows with houseful of other
peoples children. as he knew from
their letters
They had promised him "A real home
Christmas" and he shuddered at the
thought. He had been a homeless man
for many years and hoped to live and
die in that blessed condition. Out OF n
long, soul destroying, nerve wrecking
struggle he had emerged rich man.
He had taken new and more luxurious
rooms at the club. He was prepared
to enjoy life In them. or II not he could
mt least be miserable with no one to
worry him.
The train dawdled along and reached
Lynde, which is the nearest station to
Brantford. about noon. There remained
ride OF eleven miles In whatever We
hicle his aunts had provided.
He was near the only home in the
world he could be sure was open to
him for love alone. The old, boyish
pledge that he would come back when
he got rich was about to be made
good. These matters might at least
interest him. but they did not. 1t
wearied him to consider them He was
conscious OF an active dread of the
cold and dreary ride that he must take.
md he felt annoyed most unreasonably
because the stout woman and her chill.
dren who had distressed him ON the
train were alighting at this particular
station. But his soul was empty OF
sentiment
He lodged the trio and FASTENED
through the little buildings. expecting
to find his aunt's carriage upon the
other side. but there was nothing that
looked like n private conveyance. Just
opposite the door a girl whom he had
seen on the train was putting u hand
bag into a queer vehicle ON runners.
called ''pung" In those parts. IL had
q broad seat. rudeiy hooded. In front
and long. boxiIkc body In which
trunk
"Yes'm." the driver Of the vehicle was
saying. this is the stage. wouldn't
be surprised II you was Miss Amy
Hunt. Mrs. Martha Webster asked me
to look out for you an a young fellcr
she was expectin' You amt seen moth
in OF him. have your
81 saw n man get OF the train" she
replied. but he wns as gray as a
mouse. He couldn't have been
At this moment she caught sight OF
Wetherell. SO close that he must have
heard what she had said.
"Do you know" said he to the driver.
''where ! can hire conveyance to take
me to Brnntfordy''
I'm goin' right over there. This Is
the stage. cost you only half dollar
TO ride with NE. | ruess you're Mr..
Wethrrril. nIn't YOU; was told to
brlni- you over
Weiiicreli perceived that he could
uot pr"r~ ~ Inquiry without sugges-
tlpn OF ,lir'at:rrrsy TO Miss Hunt. She
wiulL s.u '..' ought to welcome the
r'inrc'. to rice with brr There really
WAS 10 way INT Of II 80 after involv-
ii'': ih' wiri >tH.i' uf Maine In one 81
len urEi III h. Sirppcd aboard the
prlg
Ntrih"rcii'> ui",lltsilons were inter
rflntrd Dy ,ir iud voice of the stout
IS :ns'1 W. called from the door OF
.h' s:at u G.I;:iilg TO know whcth-
% ~-l,i Il NJ WIS thr i'r,ntford
s'-g" -" Grlvrr said "Ycs'm" and
n,rnSir i. ~ front seat with glance
Of his "yr
i'r"sq vcI nn thr Youngsters viii
im'r Ia nf'raie in here Ichind." said
he.
"Jy 10 ~, MS" excia med wcthcrcll.
Tirl''-. 81 could rot think OF subject
Ing the lndv q 80 much discomfort. |
will lind II conveyance FOR myself
Re . ycUr ~'itin'." said the stout
woman with decision. ME and the
plrl,. would Jrs' as soon ride behind
~ he full warmer there than twill
mp on tunt seat
WethPrpl hesItated. medita;inr
Hight. The staIe driver. whose name
was Bunker. and the station agent
were approaching with his trunk The
driver removed the horses blankets
and threw them Into the pnng.
"You better wrap the kids In these.
he said. What's your name. little
one? Harriet Williamsr An YOU
sister? oh. her names Lucy. Is itf'
Bunker climbed to the seat OF thu
pung. evading Wetherells best attempt
to make him take the middle of thu
seat. The lean steeds started the sleigh
with an effort that BODIED III for thu
speed OF the journey. Wcthcrell sub
sided into the high collar OF his Goa
and tried to summon up endurance.
On the edge Of Lynde 1t began Il
snow. and strong wind suddenl,
arose and whirled the snow into the
faces Of the travellers until they wer'
half smothered and more than hal
blinded.