The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1902-04-16
The Lost TRAN.
BIZ LEWIS REED CAMPBELr,


too long. SO long perhsps, that il
would weary the reader as much as
it would tax the ingenuity of the
writer. and after all contracted
town would profit little by de.
scription of the appearance. actions,
and eccentrioities of people whom
they know almost as well as those
who live their lives with them al
their own fireside. and are insepa-
rably interviewer with, and affect
by, fortunes fickle everchanging
moods.
Suffice it to say that the little
company that had drawn them
selves somewhat away from the
general crowd in the smoke-laden
Office had been discussing an in
Unite variety of SUBJECTS. For in
conversation it is universally true
that each individual will in turn
advance a theme until at last some
fortunate subject is suggested; re-
sponsiveness is the result. Gen.
eral and spontaneous remarks en-
sue-all eager to express their
views; half-willing only to listen
to those of others. Alas, no such
opportunity presented itself. The
fragrant smoke of the cigar ming
led with the seductive aroma of the
cigarette. Together they foated
upward to the ceiling, and meeting
it fell away in lazy undulations.
The good natured Host with silver
hair which he had parted so care.
fully in the middle, now parted
company with his usual smile and
gazed reiectively out of the win
dow. The Army Officer stroked
forehead thoughtfully, moved his
lips as if repeating to himself re-
mark, and deciding upon its suita-
bility. The Banker looked on
with stoical indifference, while the
ubiquitous newspaper man ven-
tured another remark. for he was
the last and most reluctant one to
succomb to the inevitable. The
pile of ashes by each chair in
creased in size as the silence Deep
ened, broken only by some knight
of the road, who, willing to forsake
the pleasure of company for soli-
tude and rest, advanced to the desk
with 81 will go to my room, please -
The clerk with warning gong rous-
ed the sleeping beIl-boy, who slept
again as soon as he touched the
chair. The host stified yawn,
ran hurriedlysvith his eye over the
half-circle to see If it was detected,
and then, we regret to say, yawned
outright. The newspaper man
moved nervously, as if to depart
from the crowd and his usual Gus.
tom. and go home early, when the
storm door slammed, and the out
er door opened.
Slightly above the medium
height, with twinkling gray eyes
and hair silvered to a alighter shade
by time and experience. alert,
handsome, finely cut lips that were
quick to smile, in all, face pos
sessing strength and attractiveness.
A figure gracefully modelled, and
as straight as a youth could boast
of. was what glance revealed az
the guest advanced with extended
hand and said, "Mr. Smith, 1 am
glad to see you again." 81 am
heartily glad to see you," was the
reply. Pardon me for not rising
when you entered, / was raped
in thought" Gentlemen, allow
me to introduce to you Colonel
Nichols. of Petersburg, Virginia. .
Each of the party acknowledged
the honor and settled back again,
drawing the chairs closer together
to make room for the Colonel.
There was silence for moment,
broken by the Virginian who said
"Gentlemen, 1 have noticed your
beautiful rivers here, and I sup.
pose you enjoy boating along the
scenery?" No. we pay little at.
tention to either" was the apollo.
getic reply. "And your hunting
how is it?" his face lighting with
a memory smile. "Quail hunting
solely, the ducks are not plentiful
enough" The memory smile grew
brighter, as the pleasures of the
past drew near. "Fox-hunting il
the greatest sport on earth," and
he settled to a more comfortable
position, as he continued. In his