Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-19

Jane sat In a section by herself and
rested her head on the cushion behind.
Some hours passed before she noticed
the red-haired girl in the seat in front,
and then she was attracted by the cover
of the book lying open in the girls lap
Jane glanced at the book, then at the girl.
and finally at small child in a corner by
the window.
Then she leaned forward In her seat and
spoke with a characteristic abruptness.
why don't you put that child to bed?
Can't you see her nodding like a sleepy
owl?"
The girl started at the sound of her voice,
and then turned and answered quickly;
But she's not sleepy. How would you
like to be put to bed before the right
time?'
Train her." said Jane. shortly. Train
her while she's pliable. If she gets nervous
tell her to count. Wonderful incentive TO
sleep. counting.
The girl turned and looked at the curl
ously worn face of the woman behind her.
For my part" went on Jane, drowsiiy,
81 think the roof of every coach should
be removable in compartments. Tonight
j would sleep with my roof off and count
the stars we rush along.
The girl looked away and smiled. Curl
osity about to turn her head again
when she suddenly saw a long, thin hand
thrust into her lap. Jane snatched up the
book examined the title. then dropped it.
II thought So Where is your knitting?
The girl flushed with annoyance Whlle
Jane continued:
When | see this melancholy type OF
brain food in the hands of youth | at once
think of certain joyful tourists VINO, upon
arriving in town, ask to be directed to the
nearest and most picturesque cemetery.
They like to compare tombstones. inhabl-
tants and possibly ghosts. They are sight
seeing and must be amused.
Nbn crirI n nOt a
lis that your little sinister beside you?
mo relation" answered the girl. Sim
ply in my care
Jane laughed
IN your care? Why, you child
yourself. Whose care are you IMP
The red-haired girl Strengthened her back
and looked impressive. I've crossed the
continent four times" she said. Going
home to Calgary now. I've been four years
in a convent in Quebec. but we spent every
summer on the ranch at home and m
just aching for a bareback ride on Bobs
across the hills to the indian settlement.
Did you ever ride bareback?' It's no end of
fun. Father has horse ranch, and I've
ridden everything from an unbroken colt
to Indian pony since L was four years
old.
Jane smiled and let her gaze rest on the
childs wide open eyes. And the little
one-whO is she? In training for bare
back rider also?
The enthusiasm died out of the girls face
and she gently stroked the childS hair.
NO; this is Mamie-Mamie Dillworth.
Her father was a miner He died in the
east last month and Mamie is going to her
mother in Spokane. | don't envy her It's
not the pleaSantest thing in the world to
be sent to a mother you haven't seen since
you were four months old. But what are
you going to do when there's no place else
10 go to-
After the red-haired girl had tucked the
child in the lower berth and climbed in
after her. Jane sat in the seat behind, look
ing listlessy through the window into the
flying night
She consulted her watch half a dozen
times and then glanced about at the other
occupants of the sleeper. Not another wo-
man visible. Directly opposite sat
middle-aged man of careless type. AS
her eyes reached him on their circuit, he
leaned forward in his seat.
Pardon, miss" he began. "Chanced 10
overhHar young lady say that little one was
bound for Spokane. I'm Spokane man
part owner of the Silver Slipper. Know
most every one in the town or thereabouts
Felt a bit curious about who little one
was
Jane glanced at him, and she answered