The Washington times., 1903-02-15
BY E. T. CORBETT.

was comparatively empty ana
quiet The hurry and hustle Of tho day
was over. and only a few silent and
sleepy travellers were waiting for the
next train. A little later the gay groups
of out of town theatergoers would come
trooping in. but just now the business
of the place was at a standstilL
Sitting at an angle formed by a pro
tecting partition which partially screen
ed him from sight. was young man
a tall. slender young fcllow-who wan
evidentally on the watch for something
OF somebody.
For a couple of hours he had occu-
pied that corner. and during most of
the time his eyes had been fixed upon
the great door. which gave entrance
from the street. scanning every new
conner with eager anxiety. almost fear.
in his gaze.
Then. as the stranger drew nearer,
or passed him by. his face would bright
en- as If with glad relief. and for a mo-
ment the cloud would pass from his
brow.
But only for a moment-for presently
the trouble and the fear would return TO
shadow his face once more. and he would
rest his head against the wall with
weary sigh.
He took out his watch now. and COM
pared it with the clock.
only ten minutes more-he must take
this train IL he goes tonight-unless he
gives it up, He may have come to his
senses-God grant it. for his own sake
as well as Edith's,"
This was what he was thinking as he
put UP his watch and fixed his eyes
once more upon the entrance.
The slow minutes licked themselves
away-ope by one the few passengers
passed through the gate into the yard
where the train was waiting-five min
utes had gone-six-seven-eig ht-nine,
and the young mans face lit with joy
full hope.
And then. just as he rose from his
seat, picked up a small travelling bag,
and seemed about to depart. there was
one more arrival, at sight of whom the
young fellow sat down again, suddenly
pallid and trembling.
This last conner made his way swiftly
20 the ticket sellers window. gathered
up tickets and change as II in headIong
haste. and passed out OF the station
without looking about him Instantly
the young man sprang up and followed
him. fumbling for his ticket as he
crossed the room. He passed through
the gate, his steps FASTENED by the
cIang OF the warning bell his eyes keen
" intent upon the man before him.
The pursued. unconscious OF his pur-
suer, had gone into the smoker, and
there the young fellow followed. The
train was already in motion as he swung
himself upon the platform and opened
the door OF the smoker. which, as Il
happened. was nearly empty.
He walked quickly down the aisle to
the corner where the man he sought had
already ensconced himself and dropping
into the seat beside him, said only:
"HaIsey!"
A perceptibIe start and look OF angry
amazement we're his answer He shrank
from that look visibly. and for a mo-
ment he wavered and seemed to hest
tate. Then he spoke timidly, hurriedly.
with many pauses:
-
cause couldn't help coming. Don't you
see had TO Gomez And you'll let me-
talk to you; you'll listen to me, won't
you HaIsey2"
He looked so young. so boyish. as he
spoke. his blue eyes fastened imploring-
ly on the dark, handsome, angry face
beside him, his lips quivering with the
agitation he was irving to suppress.
But his companion ignored his appeal.
He asked sharply:
How did you know where 10 find me :.
What made you come here?"
The young mans face flushed.
Il know where you are going, and
WITH whom. have been waiting for
you" he answered.
How did you get you information p
Prom the letter you dropped
so, you read other peoples letters? A
enc employment for an honorable man
Halsey had thrust his hand into his
breast pocket and was hastily examining
its contents as he spoke.
stop. Halsey Stop, You shall not say
such things to me, I can explain--''
Then will you kindly explain how
long you have been prying into my pri-
waite affairs? How often you have reaa
my letters7"
You can insult me. but you must give
me a chance to speak 1 tell you never