The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-01-19
GeMission Of the
Tomato Bisque
BY RUTH SANTELLE
Copp-igEt, 1901, by Ruth SdnteIle

CopWight, 1901, by Ruth SdnteUe II
Major Blackburn was possessed of
a temperament no more irascible than
that Of the average gentleman Of his
age. Moreover, the dignity Of that
age might have gone unsuspected by
virtue Of his boyish face and genial
If somewhat pompous manner had 1t
not been for the telltale appurtenances
| of veterans title and q great grown
up son Of the modern, broad shoulder
ed type.
But the major was inclined to take
it 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 a pet aversion.
The first was an imaginary picture he
had conjured up Of an old time girl
who scorned tthigher 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 a 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 4 p. NJ,
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.
-eWhere 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. Thts here's
Graves Station, and we're telegraphing
for relief Let you know directly" as
he disappeared.
@fComforting, to say the least! Win
dows SO frosted you can't see out
Probably nothing to see Il you could.
How cup Of coffee now would cheer
mans soul!'
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 fretting with bites Of
juicy orange. It looked inviting.
II am sorry to say" came the con-
ductor's voice from the doorway, that
the drifts make it impossible for us
to 60 on. We have sent Tor the plow to
release us, and It can probably get here
IN two hours. As all trains after 8
O'Clock are through expresses, the sta-
ton is closed for the night, 80 I 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 moments
consultation with the conductor. Then
she called cheerfplly:
ct am organizing foraging exped-
ton. May ask for volunteers, please!
Four men, think-yomg ones. Wen
let the rest Of you help when we see
what's to be 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 SHOW
eled paths into the stations single
building, almost warm already with a
huge fire in the stove.
"It wasn't bit hard to get in," war
bled the captain, now playing hostess.
Eve found quantities Of wood, and II
you're ali very good and don't hinder
! we may find you something eatable in
due time. Now, you" to the fattered
major, keep everybody else amused
some way while we get supper"
''That girl Is a-a-brick" he mur-
INJURED admiringly and proceeded to
obey orders to the best Of his ability.
The merry cries from the kitchen end
Of the establishment helped him In bis
efforts.
"Crackersr' carroled the captain en-
couragingly. "Half a barrel full. And
can Of cream frozen almost solid.
I'll have to sweeten some TOR dessert" I"
A few moments Of laughter and ap-
parent investigation.
"Now, a girl like that!' the major
was pondering, unable to keep bis
Jealous glance from wandering.
Then a burst Of triumph from the
kitchen: "Oh, see what I've found!
Cans and cans Of them! Now for a
feastv'
Then a period Of busy silence and
strengthening odors.
r. r... %l~,o than ho % roiohod fpav-