Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-05-12
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
TWO STRANGERS IN a COACH.
" ORRY wasted very little time. He
n dashed into the depot and up to
E the operators window.
49, whats the nearest station
east of here:'
P" leisurely answered the agent
in some surprise.
"How far is it?'
-Four miles
Telegraph ahead and hold the train
that just left here"
"The train doesn't stop there"
Its got to stop there or there III be
more trouble than this road has had
since it 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. If you don't
send that order. I'll report you as well
as the conductor"
Grenfalrs manner was commanding.
The agents impression was that he
was important. that he had right TO
give orders: but he hesitated.
There's no way for you but to get
to p anyway" he 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 IL 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 over the hurrylng
figure in the tan coa..
Pardon me. I'll explain things in
minute" he gasped and dashed away.
Her troubled eyes blinked with aston
ishment.
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 S10:" cried Grenfall.
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, Answer"
Yes; but. you see. I'm hired to-
"Oh. that's all right. You'll never
make money easier Can you get us
there in twenty minutes:'
ITS four mile. pardner, and not very
good road. either. Pile in. and we'll
make it er kill old Hip and jim. Miss
the train?"
"Get yourself ready for race with
an express train. and don't ask Qu"S-
tons. Kill 'em both if you have to.
I'll be back in Il sccond.'
Back to the station he tore. She was
standing near the door looking up the
track miserably. Already night was
falling. Men were lighting the switch
lanterns and the mountains We're turn
ing into great dark shadows.
Come quickly. have wagon out
here"
Resistlessly she was hurried along
and fairly showed through the open
door of the odd looking coach. He was
beside her OH the seat in an instant
and her bewildered ears heard him
say:
Drive like the very deuce" Then
the door slammed. the driver clattered
up 10 his seat, and the horses were of
with a rush.
"Where are we going?" she demand
ed, sitting very straight and defiant.
"After that train. I'll tell you all
about it when | get my breath. This Is
to be the quickest escape from dilem-
ma on record. provided it is an es-
cape" BY this time they were bump
inc along the flinty road at lively
rate. iolting about on the seat in a
most disconcerting manner. After a
few long, deep breaths he told her how
the ride in the Springs hack had been
conceived and of the arrangement he
had made with the dispatcher. He,
furthermore, acquainted her with the
cause of his being left when he might
have caught the train.
Just as | reached the track, out OF
breath. but rejoicing, | remembered
having seen you on that side street ana
knew that you would be left. 1t would
have been heartless to leave you here
without protection, so felt it my duty
to let the train go and help you out OF
a very ugly predicament."
"How can l ever repay you! she
murmured. 1T was so good and so
thoughtful of you! oh, should have
died had | been left here alone! DO
YOU not think my uncle will miss me
and have the train sent back" she
went Oh sagely.
That's sor' he exclaimed, somewhat
disconnected. But l don't know, ell
ther. 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 questioned, looking
at the black mountains and the dense
foliage. 1t was now quite dark.
IF he doesn't bump us to death be-
fore we get half way there. He's driv'
ing like the wind"
"You must let me pay half his bill,
she said decidedly from the dark corner
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 sugges'
ton, think you will see its wisdom
You can escape a great deal OF ugly
jostling if you will take hold OF my
arm and cling to it tightly. l will
brace myself with this strap. l am
sure it will save you many hard
bumps"
Without a word she moved to his