Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-06-30
CHAPTER X.

To the cynical eye the crowd In the
Grand Central station is apt to typify
the monotony of life and suggest Its
littleness. 1t is always the same.
Mingle with it to-day and return an
hour, day, a month. year, ten years
later, and you will find the same peo-
pie surrounding and jostling you.
Some face you may look for in vain,
some voice may fail to greet you
that often happens in crowds-but are
they lost or are you? ...
Kennard hurried across the muddy
floor, lodged through the nearest exit,
raced to the barrier. and reached 1t
just as the iron gate rolled to and bit
its lock with vicious snap.
Next local 5:O4 on track q" chant
ed the official. mechanically.
The painting passenger dropped his
heavy bag with groan and looked at
his watch.
There was half an hour to wait. so
he sauntered back to the telegraph Of
flee and sent a message to Mrs. Par
sons at Mamaroneck. saying he had
missed his train. It should have been
punctually late, as usual, but some
thing had "crisscrossed his luck" that
day, he admitted to himself. as he
showed his bag under one Of the long
benches and settled down to sit II out.
BY the time his train started Ken
nard had almost recovered his droop-
ing spirits. and when the lights Of
the Mamaroneck station twinkled
through the haze. not even the damp
fog and chilly atmosphere served to
depress him.
Mrs. Parsons carriage was not to be
seen in the cluster of vehicles near
the platform, and Kennard picked his
way among the trans and teams, peer
ing closely at the half-hidden drivers.
But one by one they drove off. and
when Kennard reached the station
again, all the cabs had also disap-
peared, and he faced the prospect Of
walking to his destination. Juggling a
heavy bag. Resigning himself to this
fate, he started down the road, in the
wake of a low dog cart disappearing
slowly into the fog. Hoping against
hope, he Quicl ened his pace In pur-
suit, and was soon rewarded by recog-
niZing Carroll Parsons astrakhan coat
and furs With a cheerful halloo he
ran up behind the cart. tossed In his
bag, and swung himself into the seat
beside the girl.
We'll met. CARROLL" he exclaimed.
IF you were trying to abandon me, !
had narrow escape"
He grasped the girls disengaged
hand in both of his and shook 1t
warmly.
She laughed pleasantly in answer as
the pony started forward at a brisk
pace, striking sparks from the fiinty
road.
well, how are you?" he continued.
I'm terribly glad to see you. You
don't know how glad. I've been In
the worst possible temper all day, and
II 1t hadn't been for the thought of
coming here tonight, believe I'd have
assassinated half dozen people. AS
1t is, there are probably more than
that number who'd like to assassinate
me. 1t was mighty friendly Of you to
meet me a night like this" he ran on,
especially after I'd missed my train.
At first thought you hadn't come, and
was starting to walk when saw you.
Hope you haven't left house full of
company. I'm afraid you have. But
do tell me you haven't got horrid
lot of outsiders"
Really, don't think I'm in posi-
ton to say"
Kennard peered sharply at his COM
panion.
81 beg pardon" he began awkward
ly, but fear must have-that there
must be mistake. You are not
II have been trying to tell you SO
ever since We started. Now | feel like
a criminal. shall never be able 70
convey to Miss Parsons the warmth
! of your greeting!"