Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-05-27

pass through the car whose face seem
ed familiar. AT first she could moi
place iIm. but at last she remembered
that SHE had seen him at The Globt
office that afternoons a reporter; for ht
had been writing at desk near Mr.
Hicks
Hes travelling for the paper
thought Marjorie. HE goes In thu
sleeping car. Well. shall do that some
day. even II don't travel for the pa
per" And she drew her ulster arount
her. settled her handbag as a pillow
little less uncomfortably and went Il
sleep.
1t was nearly IL when she woke
again.
81 wonder where we are" she said Il
herself. ~ wonder II we're on time.
don't need to get to West Capua unit
8 o'clock. think Id rather spent
three hours extra on the train than II
the West Capua depot A glance
through the window gave her no ides
of her whereabouts, and she tried agair
to 60 to sleep.
Suddenly there came series OF vio
lent jolts, the car pitched like vessel
at sea, there was a great crashing OF
glass and tearing Of woodwork, anu
then Just as the lights went out, Mar
jorie saw something dark break In al
the forward end of the car where she
sat. and then she felt a blow on the
head.
What is the matter" she said to
herself. rubbing her eyes. where
why. what's happened? What is all
that noise? Why. it's an accident. Oh
help. help" she cried. Then: BE
quiet, Marjorie Russell. See if you're
hurt first before you cry. No. l don't
think I'm hurt-much. But If could
find my feet l should know. Why
don't carry matches?"
From all around came confused
sound of means and CALCULATIONS
curses. prayers. and over all and
through all the piercing whistle Of the
steam. and everywhere 1t was dark
dark as pitch.
Marjorie felt about her carefully
Her feet. she found at last. were held
fast under seat. and the back Of q
seat was hanging Immediately over her
head. 1t was that which had struck
her. A few minutes careful working
enabled Marjorie to get her feet out OF
their trap. and brisk rubbing of the
ankles put them In good condition
again. She scrambled to her feet and
made a step. but her foot met some.
thing soft and mOtionless, and she
stood still. horror struck. That soft.
motionless thing must be some one
who was hurt.
"Oh. let me get where | can SET
something" she cried desperately. "Oh.
help, help To her JOY. she saw u
light approach the car. Help us IN
herew she cried I'm not hurt. but
there are persons who are"
There was crushing Of woodwork
behind her. a few heavy blows with an
ak, and presently two men with Ian
terms forced their way into the car
The lanterns gave barely enough light
to see by But the men were followed
by others, whose lanterns bore the red
and green bands on their glasses that
indicate the chiefs and foremcn OF vol
unteer fire companies. Marjorie stood
still until they reached her, Five per
sons were carried out before she was
helped out
Hello. Amt you Miss Russell!" ex
claimed the man who helped her to the
ground. I'm George Muller. foreman
Of Minnehaha hose"
Why where, is this Orleans where
we used to spend the sunmerT
"Yes'm. This IL Orleans. Now'm
Miss Russell. let's get you TO the doc
tor"
I'm not hurt Now know where
am l feel all right. Can't helpI Are
there many hurt"
"There's noth!n' for you to dom
we've got all the doctors in town. See
the depot's right here. an it's an hour
since 1t happened. Jest step out Of the
way'm, please" And Muller pulled hel
to one side to let four men pass who
were carrying something covered with
blanket
Marjorie looked at 1t with wide open
eyes.
How many persons are hurt" sh'
ASKED at length.
"There's been ten killed." began Mu
Ter. "Hey. What's the matterT" Fol
Marjorie had clutched his arm and
clung to II as II she was about to fall
"You are hurt. miss. Let me help you
up to the depot"
Tm not hurt" protested Marjorie AZ
Muller steadied her on her feet But
didn't know It was much Of an acci
dent I thought It was all a sort OF
dream and rather funny
"It's the biggest accident on this roaC
for years" said Muller. "Ten killed il