The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-10-06

an ls:+;;, hour, came ;tn suddenly s'3oyee9 to
recoil at level crossing in a country
lane, and Reynolds, shaken out Of his
reverie, opened the window, quite pre-
pared for an accident.
But as the view from the window
revealed only an impassive stretch of
green he settled back to consider a
more important question.
She was q friend and neishbor of
the Potters. There was fair chance
that she might be seen at their house,
since an invitation to see her at her
own home had not been forthcoming.
That ten minutes tiff at the seaside
at Easter where they had met had not
in the least detracted from her charm,
though it had entirely demolished his
welcome, and he would do much to be
near her for q week-for that he could
endure the Potters.
A moment later the little guard came
up to him.
II beg pardon, mister" he said, low
ering his voice to whisper, but you
have a bag there which looks as if it
might have a musical instrument in
it."
"Why, yes" the young fellow an
swered in astonishment. MY banjo"
"A banjo. That's lucky. What
tunes can you play? Can you play
Rule, Britannia?'"
"Great Scott! Why. yes, think so.
But what in the name of patience"
''Then you are the man We want.
This way, sir, please, and as quick as
you can, if you don't mind. We can't
move the train an inch till she hears
Rule, Britannia"
"But what"
'It's the only thing that will start
her up. We tried everything else.
Pushing, pulling, everything. She
sticks on the rails like limpet on a
rock. wouldn't bother you, but we're
five minutes late already. You'll be
doing everybody a good kindness if
you'll come along and grind one good
lively Rule, Britannia"
Reynolds caught up his banjo case
and hurried after the official, wonder
ing, as he went, which of them had
gone insane, and whether the attack
would prove to be permanent soften
ing of the brain or merely temporary
alteration.
A number of passengers had left the
train. They were gathering en- masse
around the portion of the level cross
ing which intersected the lane.
''Now, then, here comes Orpehus and
his ladyv' cried a voice in the crowd.
For moment the young man stared
about him with ever increasing fears
by little a light broke in upon his
brain.
A few yards only of line lay between
the engine and the level cross track.
At the crossing stood the obstruction
in full view. 1t was small, antiquat-
ed pony phaeton, drawn by-or, rather,
attached to-a rotund white mare.
The animal was neither standing In
the usual and approved attitude of her
kind, nor PROSTATE, as will sometimes
happen by accident. She was sitting
upon her glossy launches, calm,
almost blase, expression in her brown
green eyes.
The carriage was occupied by two
women. One of them, a stout, elderly,
maiden-aunt-locking person was en-
gagged in making voluble explanations
to a delighted crowd. The other, a
girl in white, who leaned back among
the cushions and laughed, in evident
enjoyment of the situation.
At the sight Of the girl Reynolds
drew back, with a little cry Of aston
ishment, under his breath. Then he
ran forward, lifting his hat.
"Why, Miss Perry! I'm tremendous
ly sorry to find you-ahem-delayed in
this way. What is the trouble? Can
be of any assistance"
The pleasure which eXuded from the
young mans face was not reflected in
that of the girls.
"How do you do, MI. Reynolds"' she
said. "I'd no idea you were in this
part of the country. No, so far as
am concerned you can be of no assist
ance, I think. If the train people
want to try any experiments, of course
they are welcome to do it for the sake
OF getting the train in motion. Aunt
Milly," she added, turning to her com
panion, you have heard me speak OF
Mr.. Reynolds? My aunt, Miss Blithe
MIR. Reynolds"
Miss Milly grasped his hand with 6
warmth which was in striking con
trast to the chilly demeanor of bel
niece.
80 glad to make your acquaintance
Mr.. Reynolds, though I must say the
circumstances are not those I would
generally like to meet people under
Such an embarrassing position!