Williston graphic., 1903-10-29

and the folds of the cover had barely
settled in place when Maj. Fitzgibbon
clattered by, in futile pursuit.
AS the pair drew few breaths Of re-
lief, tinctured with the odor Of machine
oil and coal gas, responding sigh came
from the inky darkness. This was fol-
lowed by slow grunt, then voice Of
protest.
what ye want?" It demanded.
why, there's someone here!" Helen
cried, softly.
"Course ther' is. What" continued
the voice.
"sh" whispered Frank. 'Who are
you?"
BILL Dustan, the engineer. Who are
you?"
As the man rose from the narrow seat
on which he had been curled up asleep,
the tiny cab was filed to overfowing
with faint scent of alcohol which sug-
gested reason for his presence. n
Frank laid friendly hand on tho
shoulder of Bill Dustan's coat and hastily
told his story, while his mind worked
rapidly in another direction. His other
hand crept into one of his pockets, and
when it was extended to Bill it contained
a bank note.
"You have a fire." Frank asked, as tho
engineer fingered the money.
Keep 'er up a little," answered tho
man.
Can you run the roller with it,"
Frank demanded.
Bill grinned appreciatively in the
darkness. "Soon fix it so kin" he said.
But it will make an awful noise" OBJ
jected Helen, on whom the situation was
dawning.
II kin run 'er kind er slow an quiet" "
Bill said. hopefully.
Besides, your father is probably STIR
ring up the police and the railroad peo-
pie, and he won't be back soon," Frank
said to Helen. 1T isn't likely that he
noticed this machine, and If he sees it
anywhere else he won't dream that We
are in it,"
Bill Dustan lighted a lantern, casting
a dim glow on a complication of wheels,
levers and valves; attended to the fire,
and in few minutes the roller was In
motion. The engineer lifted the forward
part of the rubber cloth, protruded his
head and steered the machine to the Uni
tartan minister's house.
Even a magnate may not annul mar
riage, and Helen and Frank departed
for their honeymoon, leaving the major
a prey to gloomy emotions, which they
wisely forebore to interrupt for two
weeks. During that time the love and
sympathy Helen had for her father sug-
gested the best course for a reconcilia-
ton.
HE likes actions that are bold and
Straightforward" she said to Frank.
And the major got what he liked, for
one morning, early in June, when he
was again seated on his veranda, read
ing his paper before starting for his fac
tory, he was aroused by noise In the
street.
An enormous steam roller turned in at
the majors gate and moved ponderously
along the driveway. At the throttle was
Bill Dustan, and behind him, on the mar
row seat of the machine, were Helen and
Frank. From all parts Of the roller flut-
tered streamers and bows of bridal rib
bon.
After gazing fxedly at the shy but
confident couple, and at the abashed en-
gineer, Maj. Fitzgibbon glanced back at
his house, in which he had spent lonely
fortnight, and stroked his imperial with
a soft, caressing movement. Then he
walked slowly to the machine, lifted his
arms, and Helen leaped lightly into
them.
AS Frank alighted and smilingly
watched this scene, Bill Dustan turned
the steam roller, which, with triumph
ant toot of it's small whistle, rumbled
dignifledly away.