Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1903-03-04
Y HE night express was making
its customary pause at Gran
than station while the en-

tnam station Wnlle the en-
gines We're changed for the
next long run, 100 miles, to York.
1t was not a crowded train, as
easily perceived when l alighted will
the rest to stretch my legs. Most Of
the passengers had turned out, too, ant
we lounged about, staring at eacl
other without keen interest until time
was up and the sharp cries of "Takc
your Seats" 'Now for the North" sent
us back to our carriages.
had compartment to myself, and
regained it without paying particular
attention to those nearest me, save in
the vague, unconscious fashion that
would hardly serve for later recogni'
tion. One man l noticed in the next
Carriage-he and I alone were travel
ing first" at any rate in that part OF
the train-but do not think l should
have known him again but for his
travelling cap with the lappets tied
under his chin and his loose ulster
with cape-distinct facts in his ap-
pearance, although they made little
impression ON me at the time.
Then another matter claimed my
notice. There were sudden cries,
"Now, sir, now! If you're going on,
look sharp, sir, please" l saw man,
a laggard, hurrying down the plat
form, putting breathlessly In evident
distress, as though the pace was too
great for him.
He made straight for where I sat,
but stopped one compartment short of
mine. and as the train was already
moving they hustled him III neck and
crop; the signal vas given, Right" ="
the whistle sounded, the engine driver
blew Q response, and We steamed
ahead full speed. .-~
I felt rather concerned about this
neighbor and late arrival. His white
face, his staring eyeballs and hanging
tongue told Of great physical exhaus-
tion, and 1 fancied that 1 heard n
groan as he tumbled into his carriage.
Evidently he had run 1t very close
had come upon the platform at the
very last moment, and had all but
missed his train. He had only just
Joined it, of that felt sure, for 1 had
not observed him on our departure
from Kings Cross nor here at Gran
than. Why had he been so anxious
to save his passage and such peril to
himself? For he was I'LL made sure
he was ill-so sure that threw down
my window and, leaning out, shouted
to the next compartment, asking if
anything was wrong.
No answer came, or it was lost in the
rattle and turmoil of the express.
Once again 1 called out, having no
Certainty that I could be heard, but
certain at last that l heard no reply.
why should worry further? The
next compartment was not empty, thai
I kneV. 4f the newcomer was really
Ill and wanted help he could get it
from his travelling companion, the man
In the loose ulster and cap tied under
his chin, whom I believed to be in the
carriage with him. So l dismissed the
matter from my mind and sank back
among the cushions Of my seat TO rest
and be satisfied.
i. must have dozed off, but only fol-
seemed to be still asleep and dreaming
when again l heard a groan in the
next carriage. 1t was perfectly vivit
and distinct impression, as half wax
ing dreams so often are. I could not
at the moment say whether what fol
oil
of my drowsy brain. What l heart
l have said was groan fraught will
keen anguish; what I saw was quit,
as clear, but still more extraordinary
and unaccountable.
The train had slowed down and wa'
almost at standstlll. We were in ;
tunnel; the lamps in the carriage!
threw strong light upon the bricl
walls and reflected all that was goin;
on in the compartment next mini
(none of the others near had any occu
panD.
But in this the adjoining compart
ment two figures stood out plainly
mems figures, and one held the othe
closely in his arms. More than thi
I could not make out. / saw it clearly
although but brief space only, 4 fey
seconds of time, for now the trai
moved on rapidly with increasin
speed, and We ran out Of the tunne
The reflected scene of course disaI
peared at once rs completely as thong
wiped off slate.
There was trouble next door, of wha
nature it was impossible to guess, bu
I felt that it must be ascertained fortl
with. If it was n case of serious il
ness then the one hale man woul
surely ring the alarm bell and see
assistance for the other; if it was foI
play he would make no sign, and
then became my bounden duty to il
terpose without delay.
These thoughts flashed quickl