Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1902-12-21
Portland II rss

MS belonglnks Win the
care that marks certain type OF bach.
elor. lie was no sooner seated than a
fussy, stout woman with two little
girls established herself behind him.
Why had he committed the incredi-
BILE folly OF this Journey From n
sense OF duty doubtless. II was time
that he did something substantial for
his aunts. his nearest living relatives,
two widows with a housefal OF other
peoples children, as he knew from
their letters.
They had promised him "A real home
Christmas" and he shuddered at the
thought lie had been n homeless man
Tor many years and hoped 10 live and
die In that blessed condition. out OF
long. soul destroying. nerve wrecking
struggle he had emerged n rich man.
He had taken new and more luxurious
rooms NJ the club. lie was prepared
20 enjoy life In them. or II not he could
nj least be miserable with no one 10
worry him.
The train dawdlcd along and reached
Lynde. which Is the nearest station 10
Brantford. about noon. There remained
a ride OF eleven miles In whatever We.
hlcle his aunts had provided.
lie was near the only home ln the
world he could be sure was open 10
him for love alone. The old. boyish
pledge that he would come back when
he got rich was about 90 be made
good. These matters might nj least
interest him. but they did not. II
wearicd him 10 consider them lie was
conscious OF an active dread CO the
cold and dreary ride that be must take.
md be- felt annoyed most unreasonably
because the stout woman and her chill.
dren who had distressed him on the
train were allghting at this particular
station. But his soul was empty OF
sentiment
lie lodged the trio and FASTENED
through the little buildings. expecting
70 lni his aunts carriage upon the
other SIDE but there was nothing that
looked Ike a private conveyance. Just
opposite the door girl whom be had
seen ou the train was putting a hand
bag into queer vehicle on runners.
called q "Pung" in those parts. Il had
n broad scat rudcly hooded. IN front
and long, boxlke body IN which
were SOME packages and small
trunk
"Yes'm' the driver OF The vehicle was
saying 'thIs Is the stnrc. ! wouldn't
be surprised " you was Miss Amy
Hunt Mrs Martha Webster asked me
20 loot ont FOR YOU an a Young Teller
she was expectIn'. You amt seen moth.
In OF hIm, have your
u saw man get on the train" she
replied. "but be was as gray as n
mouse lie couldn't have been
Al this moment she caught sight OF /
Wethorcll. so close that be must have 4
heard what she had said.
'Do you know" said be 20 the driver.
"whero can hire a conveyance 10 take
me 20 BrantfordT
'l'm goin' right over there. This Is
the stage Cost you only half n dollar
TO ride with me. ! guess you're Mr..
Wethertll, amt you? was told 10
bring you over"
Wethcrcll perceived that be could
not press his inquiry without sugges.
ton OF dlscourtesy 10 Miss Hunt. She
would think he ought 20 welcome the
chance 10 ride with her. There really
was no way out Of H. So after lnvolv.
Ing the whole state 81 Maine In one NJ.
lent anathema he stepped aboard the
pung.
Weiherelrs medltatlons were inter.
ruptcd by the loud voice OF the stout
woman who called from the door OF
the station demanding to know wheth.
or "that thing was the Brnntford
stage. The driver said. "Yes'm," aud
measured the front seat with a glance
OF his eye. (,
II guess you an the youngsters will
have to bundle in here behind" said
he.
by no means" exclaimed wetherell.
rising Il could not think OF subject.
Ing the lady 10 so much discomfort. /
will find n conveyance for myself
Keep your settln'." said the stout
with decision. "Me and the
girls would jcs' rs soon ride behind.
Il II be full warmer there than twin I
Up on that seat" I
wethereil hesithted. medltating
light The stage driver. whose name ,
vas Bunker, and the station agent /
we're approaching with his trunk. The
iriver removed the horses blankets 9
md threw them into the pung. a
"You better wrap the kids IN these" a
10 said. whats your name. little I
met Harriet willlams7 An your !
Isteri oh. her names Lucy. Is III" b
Bunker climbed 10 the seat OF the
'ung eyadIng Wetherell's best attempt Il
o make him take the middle OF the
eat The lean stceds started the sleigh Il
Nth an effort that BODIED III for the
peed or the Journey. Wetherell sub h
lded into the high collar OF his coat
nd tried 10 summon up endurance. b.
On the edge OF Lynde II began 20
now, and a strong wind suddenly n
rose and whlrled the snow into the d,
ices OF the travellers until they were
nlf smotherod and more than half 20
lndcd.
Wcthercll looked sldewlse over his h,
IT collar NJ Miss Hunt. The girl wore dr
long black cloth coat, with n dlmsy 40