Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-06-09
CHAPTER II.
TWO STRANGERS IN A COACH.

w.
TWO STRANGERS IN A COACH.
n ORRY wasted very little time. He
= dashed into the depot and up to
the operators window.
Whats the nearest station
east of here?'
p leisurely answered the agent
in some surprise.
.How far is it?''
"Eour miles,
Telegraph ahead and hold the train
that just left here"
The train doesn't stop there"
Its got to stop there or there II be
more trouble than this road has had
since 1t began business. The conduct
or pulled out and left two of his pas
sengers- gave out wrong information
and he'll have to hold his train there
or bring her back here. II you don't
send that order, I'll report you rs well
Ms the conductor"
Grenfalls manner was commanding.
The agents impression was that he
was important. that he had a right to
give orders; but he hesttated,
There's no way for you but to get
to P anyway" lie said while turn.
Ing the matter over in his mind.
You stop that train! I'll get there
inside of twenty minutes. Now, be
quick! Wire them to hold her, or
there II be an order from headquarters
for some ninety day lay offs" The
agent stared at him, then turned to his
Instrument, and the message went for
ward. .Lorry rushed out On the plat.
form he nearly ran oyer the hHrrying
figure in the tan goat.
PARDON me- me TIL explain things in q.
minute.@ he gaspeA and dashed away
Her troubled eyes blipked with aston
lshment:
At the end Of the platform stood a
mountain coach, along the sides Of
which was printed in yellow letters,
"Happy Springs" The driver was
climbing up to his seat, and the cum
bersome trap was empty.
Want to make $10?" cried Grenfali.
What say?. demanded the driver,
half falling to the ground.
Get me to p inside of twenty
minutes, and I'll give you $40. Hurry
/ up! Answeryy.,, S.. = :. =
Eyes; but, EoH see, I'm hired tow-
"ph, that's All right! You'll never
make money easier. Can you get us
Mere IN twenty minutes?"
Sits four mile, paraneF, and not very
good road. eithep. Pile IN, and we'll
make 1t er kill old Hip and Jim. Miss
the train?"
Get yourself ready for race with
an express train, and don't ask aues.
tons. Kill :em beth II you have to.
I'LL be back In secont.. ~ e
BACK to the station he tore. She was
standing near the door looking up the
track miserably. Already night was
falling. Men We're lighting the switch
lanterns, and the mountains were turn.
ing into great dark shadows.
"Come quickly. l have wagon Out
here"
Resistlessly she was hurried along
and fairly showed through the open
door of the odd looking coach. He war
beside her on the seat IL, AN ia,starip
a ard hex sggt heRalaered ears heard him
"nrlve like tho very deuccr Then
the door slammed, the driver clattered
up to his seat. and the horses were Oh
with rush.
Where are we going?' she demand.
ed sitting very straight and defiant. (
tfftaG that train. Il y tteH y6tif .al
1 about it,Wlaejt INV Htao,fft lT,,;s ,s
70 be the quickest escape from q aile4A;
"a Sn record hrraYgi .llleeaA II - an IS;
cape. by tbs his time they were bump.
Ing a!99ns the AintE read at n lively
| Fate, jeftfng about on the seat in q
most disconcerting manner. After q
few long, deep breaths he told her how
the ride In the Springs hack had been
conceived and Of the eppangemept he
bad A, HAAS HAAS WITH the disnateheT. He
furthermore, Acquainted her with the
cause Of his being l left when he Htghi
have caught the train.
ntust as reached the track, out OF
breath, but rejoicing, remembered
having seen YOU on that side street and
knew that you would be left, Il would
have been hs,eeaftlless to leave You here
NitthI.9lpt proteetiSn, SO felt 1t my duty
To- let the train go and help you out 81
= very ugly predlicament q
How can eyep repay yaur, abe
MArrmurea. s'It was 80 good and Sc
thoughtful Of you! Oh, should have
died had | been left here alone! Dc
you not think my uncle will miss me
and have the train sent back?" she
went on sagely.
Ihat's SO" he exclaimed, somewhat
Disconnected. "But / don't know, eli.
Their. He may not miss you for long
time, thinking you are In some other
car, YOU know. That could easily hap
pen" triumphantly
Can this man get us to the next sta,
ton In time?" she alost! 9ned, 8 ls9kihil
4 2tsthe black 5np,.ntaiMs mud the dense
foliage. 81 II 'Was hoW8' (; ailS II I dark.
4f be doesn't bump US to death be
j fore we get half way there, He's driv,
ing like the wind.n
You must let me pay half his bill,'
she said decidedly from the dark corne,
In which she was budding.
He could find no response to this per
emptory request.
THE road is growing rougher. II
you will allow me to make q sugges
ton, ] think you Will sea iys. .ysisdaifs
ypH eau escapeaa Neteat deal Of ugly
jbstliAg II You will take hold Of my
6rm and cling to 1t tightly. viii
brace myself with this strap. / an