Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1904-11-01

|
Major Blackburn was possessed o.
a temperament no more irascible thar
that of the average gentleman of hi:
age. Moreover, the dignity of tina
age might have gone unsupported by
virtue of his boyish face and genia
IL somewhat pompous manner had i
not been for the telltale appurtenanee'
of veterans title and great grown
up son of the modern, broad shoulder
ed type.
But the major was inclined to taks
it good naturally. Aspiring to youth
fulness in old age was not one of his
hobbies He was guilty, nevertheless
Of two-a pet ideal and pet aversion
The first was an imaginary picture ht
had conjured up of an old time cir
who scorned higher education" and
devoted herself to the acquisition Of
an endless string of housewifely &C
complishments. The second was to
matoes. Utterly unfit to eat. III
knew it beyond hope of conversion
Furthermore, they sickened him unite
death-upon his word as a gentleman
and soldier.
His thoughts We're neither Of Tho
! visionary maid nor the detested vege
table as lie strobe up and down tht
aisle of the chilly car. They had beer
fighting snow and wind since 4 p. III.
and now 1t was TO- and the drifts piled
higher Something had happened tC
the steam pipes, and comfortable
warmth was fast becoming a more
and more distant memory. Worst OF
all, they had not yet succeeded il
reaching the place where the dinner
was taken on. and, dime &ess, the ma
jor was unhappy
where in the world are we, and
what are we stopping for this timer
he gr0wled as a blue nosed brakeman
swung through.
stopping because we can't go nc
| farther was the answer. "This here's
Graves Station, and we're telegraphins
for relief. Let you know directly al
he disappeared.
comforting. to say the leastl Win
dows 50 frosted you can't see out
Probably nothing to see if you could
q mans soul.'
The majors dismal reflections wer,
interrupted by clear. ringing laugh
Irrcsistibly lie stopped by the seat Of
TIE fresh checked. tailored girl in the
wide hat who had been variously min
istering to the hungry, cold. tired cal
full Now, she had youngster In hel
lap, sitting his fretting with bites Of
juicy orange. 1t looked inviting.
II am sorry to say came the con
ductors voice from the doorway, ''tha
the drifts make it impossible for III
to go on. We have sent for the pillow Il
release us, and it can probably get herr
| in two hours As all trains after
o'clock are through expresses, the sta
i ton is closed for the night, SO / an
afraid"
A chorus of groans drowned the res
Of the announcement. Helplessly anC
hopelessly they looked at each other
The tailored girl alone, slipping thu
| child from her knees, held moments
consultation with the conductor. Thel
she called cheerfully:
81 am organizing foraging expedl
ton. May | ask for volunteers, please
-Four men, | think young ones. Wei
let the rest Of you help when we SCI
what's to be doBe'
The response was instantaneous. Sh'
had to be firm in accepting the foul
who reached her first Like captain
she managed her crew in undisputet
sway, and before the now interested
crowd could grow impatient they foun,
themselves filing through hastily shoy
eled paths into the stations singh
building. almost warm already with ;
huge fire In the stove.
1T wasn't bit hard to get in" war
bled the captain, now playing hostess
I'VE found quantities Of wood, and
you're all very good and don't hinde
we may find you something eatabIe Il
due time Now, you," to the fiattere'
major, keep everybody else amuse'
some way while We get supper"
'That girl is -brick." he muI
INJURED admiringly and proceeded t
obey orders to the best Of his ability.
Tie merry cries from the kitchen en-
OF the establishment helped him in hi
efforts.
Crackers, carroled the captain eI
couragingiy. Half a barrel full An
can Of cream frozen almost sole
I'll have to sweeten some for dessert.
A few moments of laughter and al
parent investigation.
sNow. a girl ike thaty' the majo
was bordering. unable to keep hi
jealous glance from wandering.
Then a burst of triumph from ii
kitchen: ooh, see what I've found
Cans and cans Of them Now for
feastr'
Then a period OF busy silence an
strengthening odors.
In less time than the famished tra'
rIers had dared hope they were range
before bowls brimming with a steam
Ing and savory concoction, the yer
sight Of which increased their faith
n sheltering Providence.
''Fail TO, fall tor urged the appa
entity untired girl. waving long lad
Sike a magician's wand. There al
gallons and gallons, and / don't wal
to see a motionless spoon till ever
drop has vanished
They needed no second invitation
AS the major leaned back after
fourth polishing Of his bowl the 81
came up with platter. Take this
she whispered. '-and gather the bigge
sort Of collection to leave IN paymel
4 for our entertainment"
md the n,afe c-eH heavy as he Tcl