The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-04-12
M'CARTHrS ESCAPE


looking chap. young and stalwart, and
was in the best of spirits, too this fine
summer morning for he was on his way
home TO Ireland, On short but we'll
earned holiday from a large business es-
\2blishment in Manchester
Dis lustrous, bright blue eyes had in
them fathomless depths of humor and of
qathos-eyes which made strangers gaze
at him he perambulated the platform
waiting for the train.
He sat down on a station bench and was
scarcely conscious of the presence of a
lady who had followed his lead and sat
down by-his side; not that he was callous
or imperyious to female charm-on the
contrary like most of his countrymen. he
appreciated it, always, to the fullest
tent.
But just now his thoughts were far
away for memory's kodak was busy with
brain snapshots of his mountain home in
Kerr-that lotus land of beauty, where
his widowed mother counted the hours
till she could see him again.
The arrival of the huge mainline train
and the striGent voice of the railway por-
ter brought him abruptly back to reality.
"Culmshirt junction., Change here for
Cokehampton and Westerly
Mccarthy responding to the order
''Take seats, please!" got up and entered
an empty second-class smoking compart-
ment He knew how TO make himself
comfortable, and did not like a crowd.
He had Just lighted a cigar when the
lady-having gone the length of the plat
form-returned, and hastily, just as the
whistle sounded, opened the door and en-
tered
He raised his hat and they soon became
quite chummy. She was young and I'M
doubtedly very handsome-quite fetching.
in fact. She seated herself in the far cor
ner opposite. They began by talking COM
nonplace about the weather
He had a supply of periodicals and
illustrated papers which he handed her
and which she graciously looked at.
Her whole "get-up' was in perfect keep
eng and taste. She talked well. His ac-
cent told her he was Irish. and she
thought it probable that he was Roman
Catholic, so she drifted naturally into
theology, and playfully explained that the
only real difficulty she felt with regard
to the Catholic church and because it
was so dreadfully strict and exacting-at
least, for women.
Mccarthy expressed his conviction that
she, at least, would not need a strict
father-confessor, whereat she laughed
soft, silvery laugh, and sighed archly.
They were enjoying themselves so thor
oughly that twenty minutes flew by in
no time; then presently the train slowed
down. They were nearing a station.
The smoke from his cigar curled up to
the roof Of the compartment as he took
1t from his mouth to look interestedly at
It, as smokers will.
He was cautiously replacing il between
his lips when suddenly, I'm the twinkling
of an eye she sprang TO her feet, and
with the rapidity of one demented pulled
the cord of communication at the open
window. flung ali the papers widely about,
tore off her exquisitely trimmed hat and
some roses from her breast, trampling
upon them frantically.
Then, rushing to the window, she
shrieked as women never. to his knowl
edge, had shrieked before, winding up
with an ear-spliting, blood-curdling cry
of Murder Murder, Police
Then, fiinging herself prone on the seat !
her hair streaming over her shoulders, /
she lay as if dead.
The train came to a sudden standstill, |
and q terrible commotion ensued.
Mccarthy was interrogatod. He could /
only say that the lady suddenly went off 1
her head and then tainted.
Sundry passengers staggered. others /
spoke with bated breath and whispered /
to the guard, who decided that it was
better to push on to the next station, |
which was only a couple of miles distant
and where policeman would be found.
He got into the same compartment as a
precautionary measure. with Mccarthy
who silently continued to smoke.
y This is a serious business. sir he /
ventured 10 remark, before giving the sig
nal for departure.
at would seem So" was the imper-
turbable reply.
With astonishing rapidty the lady now I
recovered consciousness and spoke With /
equally astonishing vo!ubility she mar
rated. in response to the guards invita- /
ton, how she had been grossly insulted /.
by the young man, how he had the au- /
dacity to attempt to kiss her. and had /
put his arm around her waist.
1t all happened SO suddenly. She had /
been asleep. She had just strength /
enough to struggle free-and so forth. (
After that she tainted and remembered /
no more, she said.
When the train stopped again there /
were angry comments-very angry-while /
q policeman was being got. Mccarthy !
should be given in charge-there was
nothing else for it.
Much sympathy was expressed all /
round for the sacred and painting lady. /
one person alone dissenting-an elderly 1
evangelical gentleman who said ii served /
her right for travelling alone. What could /
she expect?
But the others cried Shame on the
old gentleman and he retired crestfallen, |
while a diversion was caused by the ad |
vent Of pompous bobby"
What have you to say. sir?" he in |
ouired OF Mccarthy. This lady. of |
course. viii charge you
The young man smiled.
Look at him" shouted sne Of the spec
tators; hes actually laughing-the /
callous brute
HE ought to be lynched.' said an
other champion OF the fair sex, and |
g. 81 - E @ E7E III