Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-25
CHAPTER Z.
Waiting for Help.


was called to breakfast, trying to decide
what Miss Cullen had meant to express,
only to succeed in reading fifty different
meanings into her parting six words. 1
wanted to think that 1t was her way Of
suggesting that 1 deceived myself in
thinking that there was anything be-
tween Lord Rallies and herself, but
though / wished to believe this, had
seen too much to the contrary to take
stock in the idea. Yet I couldn't believe
that Madge was a coquette; e became
angry and hot with myself for even
thinking it for a moment.
Puzzle a did over the words managed
to eat good breakfast and then went into
the Cullens' car and electrified the party
by telling them of Camp s and FredS dis
patches and how 1 had come to overhear
the former. Mr.. Cullen and Albert
couldn't say enough about my cleverness
in what had really been pure luck and
seemed to think / had sat up all night in
order to hear that telegram. The person
for whose opinion l cared the moSt-Mfss
Cullen-didn't say anything, but she gave
me look that set my heart beating like
trip-hammer and made me put the most
hopeful construction on that speech of
hers 1t seemed impossible that she didn't
care for Lord Rallies, and that she might
care for me; but, after having had no
hope whatsoever the smallest crumb of
chance nearly lifted me off my feet.
We had a consultation over what was
best to be done, but didn't reach any
definite conclusion till the station agent
brought me telegram from the POST
master General. Breaking it open, 1 read
aloud:
DO not allow service of writ, and re-
tain possession of letters according to
prior Instructions At the request of this
department the Secretary of War has di
rected the comman ding officer at Fort
Whfppie to furnish you with military
protection, and you will call upon him at
once II in your Judgment it is necessary
On no account surrender United States
property to territorial authorities. Keep
department notified"
oh, splendid" cried Madge, clapping
her hands.
Mr.. Camp will find that other people
can give surprise parties as well as him
self, l said. cheerfully
You'll telegraph at once?" asked Mr.
Cullen.
Instantly" 1 said rising; and added
Don't you want to see what l say Miss
Cullen?"
"Of course do she cried, jumping up
eagerly.
Lord Rallies scowled as he said. Yes:
let's see what Mr.. Superintendent has to
say
You needn't trouble yourself" I re-
marked, but he followed us into the sta
ton | was Disguised, but at the same
time 1t seemed to me that he had come
because he was jealous; and that wasn't
an unpleasant thought. Whatever his
motive, he was third party in the writ.
ing OF that telegram and had to stand by
Whlle Miss Cullen and / discussed and
drafted it. l didn't try to make it any
too brief, not merely asking for a guard
and when might expect it, but giving as
well pretty full history of the case,
which was hardly necessary.
You'll bankrupt yourself" laughed
Madge You must let US pay"
III let you pay, Miss Cullen, If you
want" 1 offered. How much is it, Welp-
frc fbn 10 49,
operator.
.Nothin' for lady" said welply, grim
ming.
There, Miss Cullen" asked. docs the
east come up to that in gallantry?"
DO you really mean that there is no
charger" demanded Madge, increduIously,
with her purse in her hand.
That's the size of it," said the opera
tor.
I'm not going to believe THAR cried
Madge Il know you are only deceiving
me, and really want to pay
l laughed as l said, Sometimes railroad
super1ntendents can send messages free,
Miss Cullen"
How silly of me" exclaimed Madge.
Then she remarked, How nice 1t is to be
railroad superintendent, Mr.. Gordon!
should like to be one myself"
That speech really lifted me off my feet
but while l was thinking what response
to make / came down to earth with
bounce.
SlHCe tHe IeleSramS DONE, said Lord
Rallies to Miss Cullen, in cool, almost
commanding tone, suppose we take a
walk
II don't think 1 care to this morning"
answered Madge
Il think you had better" insisted his
lordship, with such manner that l felt
inclined to knock him down.
/ To my surprise Madge seemed to hesitate
and finally said, I'm walk up and down
the platform, If you wish"
Lord Rallies nodded and they went out,
leaving me in a state of mingled amaze
ment and rage at the way he had cut me
out. Try as l would l wasn't ablt to hit
upon any theory that supplied a solution
to the conduct OF either Lord Rallies or
Miss Cullen, unless they were engaged and
Miss Cullen displeased him by her behavior
to me. But Madge seemed such an honest
frank girl that I'd have believed anything
sooner than that she was only playing
with me. :
! If was perplexed wasn't going to give
Lord Rallies the right of way, and as soon
as l had made certain that the telegram
was safely started / joined the walkers
don't think any of us enjoyed the hour
that followed, but didn't care how miser-
able l was myself, so long as was certain
that I was blocking Lord Rallies; and his
grumpiness showed very clearly that my
presence did that. AS for Madge, / could
| not make her out l had always thought /
understood women a little. but her conduct
was beyond understanding.
Apparently Miss Cullen didn't altogether
reflsh her position, Tor presently she said
| she was going to the car. Pm sure YOU
and Lord Rallies will be company enough
| for each other she predicted giving me
a fash of her eyes which showed them full
of suppressed merriment, even while her
face was grave.
| In spite of her prediction, the moment
she was gone Lord Rallies and / pulled
apart about quickly as a yard engine
| can split couple of cars.
! ] moped around for an hour, too unsettled
mertally to do anything but smoke, and
only waiting for an invitation or for some
| excuse to go into 2fS About IL o'clock /
obtained the latter in another telegram
| and went into the car at once.
Telegram received" I read triumphant
1 ly. "A detail of two companies of the 18th
Cavalry. under the command of Captain
| Singer, is ordered to Ash Forks, and will
start within hour. arriving at 5 O'clock.
C. d. Olmstead, adjutant."
THAT won't do, Gordon" cried Mr.. Gull
| len. THE mandamus win be here before
| that"
"Oh. don't say there is something more
| wrongr' sighed Madge
| Wont 1t be safer to run while there is
still timer" suggested Albert, anxiousIy
II was born lazy about running away
/ said.
"oh. but please. just for once.' Madge