The Union Republican., 1904-12-02
Ghe Mission Of the
Tomato Bisque
By RUTH sANTELLE
BY RUTH SANTELLE
Copyright. 1901, bu Ruth Sdntelle

temperament no more irascible than
that of the average gentleman of his
age. Moreover, the dignity of that
age might have gone unsupported by
virtue of his boyish face and genial
If somewhat pompous manner had it
not been for the telltale appurtenances
of veterans title and great grown,
up son of the modern, broad shoulder
ed type.
But the major was inclined to take
1t good naturedly. 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 he
had conjured up Of an old time girl
who scorned "higher education" and
devoted herself to the acquisition of
an endless string Of housewifely ac-
complishments. The second was to-
matoes. Utterly unfit to eat! He
] knew it beyond hope Of conversion.
Furthermore, they sickened him unto
death-upon his word as gentleman
and soldier.
His thoughts were neither of the
visionary maid nor the detested vege-
table as he strobe up and down the
aisle of the chilly car. They had been
fighting snow and wind since A p. m,
and now it was 10, and the drifts piled
higher. Something had happened to
the steam pipes, and comfortable
warmth was fast becoming more
and more distant memory. Worst Of
all, they had not yet succeeded in
reaching the place where the dinner
was taken on, and, dinnerless, the ma,
jor was unhappy.
"Where in the world are we, and
what are we stopping for this timer"
he growled as blue nosed brakeman
swung through.
stopping because we can't go no
farther" was the answer. "This here's
Graves Station, and we're telegraphing
for relief. Let you know directly" as
he disappeared.
Comforting, to say the leastl Win
dows so frosted you can't see out.
Probably nothing to see If you could.
How cup of coffee now would cheer
mans soulr'
The majors dismal reflections were
interrupted by clear, ringing laugh.
Irresistibly he stopped by the seat Of
the fresh checked, tailored girl in the
wide hat who had been variously min
istering to the hungry, cold, tired car
full Now, she had youngster in her
lap, sitting his frettlng with bites of
Juicy orange. 1t looked inviting.
81 am sorry to say" came the con-
tductor's voice from tire doorway, that
the drifts make it impossible for us
to go on. We have sent for the plow to
release us, and 1t can probably get here
in two hours As all trains after
o'clock are through expresses, the sta
tion is closed for the night, so l am
afraid"-
A chorus of groans drowned the rest
of the announcement. Helplessly and
hopelessly they looked at each other.
The tailored girl alone, slipping the
child from her knees, held a moments
consultation with the conductor. Then
she called cheerfully:
81 am organizing a foraging expedi-
ton. May l ask for volunteers, please?
-Four men, l think-young ones. Wen
let the rest of you help when we see
what's to he done"
The response was instantaneous She
had to be firm in accepting the four
who reached her first. Like captain,
she managed her crew in undisputed
sway, and before the now interested
crowd could grow impatient they found
themselves filing through hastily shov-
eled paths into the stations single
building, almost warm already with a
huge fire in the stove.
ut wasn't a bit hard to get in," war
bled the captain, now playing hostess.
I'VE found quantities of wood, and if |
you're all very good and don't hinder
we may find you something eatable in |
due time. Now, YOU" to the flattered
major, keep everybody else amused |
some way while we get supper"
THAT girl is a-a-brickw he muir
INJURED admlringly and proceeded to
obey orders to the best of his ability.
The merry cries from the kitchen end
of the establishment helped him in his
efforts
"Crackers!" carroled the captain en-
couragingly "Half barrel full And
a can OF cream frozen almost solid.
I'll have to sweeten some for dessert"
A few moments of laughter and ap-
parent investigation.
snow, girl like thatP the major
was pondering, unable to keep his
Jealous glance from wandering.
Then a burst of triumph from the
kitchen: "oh, see what I've found!
Cans and cans of theml Now for
feastr'
Then a period of busy silence and
odors.
In less time than the famished trav-
elers had dared hope they were ranged
before bowls brimming with a steam
Ing and savory c0ncoction, the very
sight of which increased their faith in
a sheltering Providence.
"Fall to, fall tor urged the appar-
emily untired girl, waving long ladle
like maglcian's wand. "There are
gallons and gallons, and l don't want
IN gee rOnftnulacc cnoot, an | ,