Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1904-11-18
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I was travelling on train between
New York and Chicago OH my way to
the latter city 10 take part In n r-'T
important ceremony-my wedding H.
my coat pocket carried my present &c
my bride, bracelet composed o.
strung pearls. l had bought 1t in New
York and paid $4,000 for 1t. A thing
of beauty is Joy forever, and l couit
not resist the temptation to take 1t du'
of my pocket. unclasp the box contain
ing ii and look at my treasure. 1 wa.
riding in sleeping car, and directly
opposite was n handsomely dressed
lady. 1t occurred TO me that l hac
seen her before, but ponder as l woulo
could not tell where. She was read
Ing Il novel and did not once look W
at me. When It was growing dark, she
closed the book, yawned and looked
listlessly out Of the window.
OF all the hours on train l dread
most those between dusk and bed
time. One can neither read nor looi
at the scenery. There is nothing bui
the interior of car and nothing in tn
car but people, and If one does nc
know them the time goes very slowly
made up my mind to scrape an at
quaintance with the lady opposite.
'I beg your pardon" said, lifting
my hat. "but your face is familiar.
though I cannot place you.'
She looked up at me with a smile and
said, az would be glad to remember
you if only for companionship, but !
fear can't" She made room for mt
On the seat opposite her, and l sat
down. She told me that she lived II
New York and mentioned n number oil
prominent people there, speaking Of
some of them Familiarity, calling The
men Bob Charlie, Tom, and the womcr
Daisy, Kit and Mollie She did noj
happen to know intimately any WIG
were my especial friends, but they
were all her acquaintance. She were
the most tasteful travelling attire ana
had great deal of hand baggage, IL
GLIDING a spaniel whose coat had be21
groomed to gloss and around whose
neck was broad collar handsomely
mounted. Just before the porter came
round to make up our berths she pro
duced box, get with mother of pearl
in which was n dainty yet abundant
lunch, of which she invited me to par
take. After the feast she told me that
IN her bag was n small flask of sherr
and one Of very old whisky.
"Men always prefer whisky" sh+
said. II carry it in case of illness only
II you can get on with the whisky.
will drink the sherry"
OF course assented. There was NOT
enough of each liquor for us both, as
the TASKS were tiny gold ones, onl!
sufficiently large to hold one drini.
The last thing we did in company was
to pledge each other. Then l went r.
the smoking car and afterward to M
berth,
During the night l dreamed that
was walking along a street and fouri
1t difficult 10 keep my head erect, it b.
ing heavy and inclined to fall forward
In the morning / awoke with head
ache and the same heavy headed feel
ing. We were near Chicago, and tn
lady in the berth opposite was gathe'
ing her belongings. | staggered to TIL
lavatory and while there naturally cS
amined my pockets to make sure Of m'
wedding present after nights slocl
Taking out the box, l opened it. TIL
bracelet was not there.
Who had robbed mel 1t was som
time before began to suspect the lad.
with whom l had spent the evening
yet l knew I had been drugged ana
suddenly remembering the drink sh
had given me, felt sure she was Ill
culprit. But why had she not left III
train with her booty? questioned III
conductor, who told me there had bee
no stop for several hours. Going up t.
her, She smiled and babe me goo,
morning, to which l coldly replied tina
she should return my bracelet or
would turn her over to the police q
soon as we reached Chicago.
"How dare you, how can you, so "
suit womana Never again vii
travel alone!' And she broke down
passionate weeping.
It occurred 10 me that since thCl
were others on the train who migh
cusing one whose responsibility VA
vouched for by her acquaintance wit
so many people knew myself.
Suddenly she started up. you cal
not, you shall not, subject me to sue,
indignity! Search my baggage. | W.
m, fnto u 81 a taroorn with that Indy ny.