The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-12-06
-:- OUR DAILY SHORT STORY


There was a man went to bed in there ., exclaimed Clifton How was I know that he wasn't here yet 2"
 Dat gemman yo' done play cards wifi last night?" demanded the porter. He done got off at Fars Crossin' bout leben. Dis hyer lady done come on .bode bout two hours ago She suuah am sleepy" teH her I'm sorry. commanded Clifton. | oacklng away T was lonesome and I thought I'd rout that chap out. I'm awful | sorry" " ''' tN' He went back to his own section and tbs porter modified by the bill slipped into his hand, made full explanation to the unseen occupant
 Clifton settled himself savagely in his seat and fixed his eyes on the berth. He wondered what the woman might look like. | Her voice suggested that she was young More than that he could not guess, so he | occupied himself in speculation as to her personality |.
 It at least served to occupy his thoughts and this was something. Since the cutoff had been built most long distance travellers took the short route. But the State author ities had demanded that one through car each way be run on the old main line, and because the other sleepers were crowded Val Clifton had taken a berth in the other car. Most of the traffic was short hauls in the day coachess and he missed having
 
 It was nearly noon when at last A comn,o- tion behind the hanging curtains suggested that the unknown was getting up and at last there was flash of red wrapper, a glint of golden hair and just a suggestion of white as she vanished around the corner of the dressing room.
 The porter came in and made up the berth, and presently she returned to her section. Now she wore a trim gray dress There were dimples in her cheeks and Clif- ton rose and strolled forward.
 T want to apologize in person for my awkward blunder," he said as he leaned ov- the arm of her seat. It was a silly mis- take, but somehow the chap in this section last night gave me the impression that he going through and. was so horribly lonesome that wanted him to play cards with me-"
 "A sleeper is a place of surprises" she laughed, but l guess that you were more badly scared than I was, so wSll call it square. I know. how lonesome 1t Is travel ing
 May venture to hope that you will share my solitude? ?" he pleaded" You want some breakfast and want some lunch. May I call the porter
 The girl nodded and Clifton pressed the button. Presently they were chattering across the white tsblecloth as merrily though they had been old friends.
 Then when the things had been cleared away he got out his cards and they were soon deep in euchre. She chatted away on impersonaI topics and Clifton was charmed. Tn contrast with the loneliness of the morn ing in the deserted car with only the dreary landscape to watch. the girl seemed doubly attractive, and he surprised when the porter came around to light the lights. A number of persons had boarded the car through the afternoon. but he had scarcely noticed them.
 He was sorry now that he had arranged to stop over on some business He was sor- ry that he was not going straight through for she had tod him that she was to be on the train until well into the next day.
 He swore softly to himself when the DOT ter came to brush him down.
 Be in your station in ten minutes he said briskly as he picked up the suit case beside Chfton's seat and took it to the for ward door. Clifton followed him more les urely and stopped at the girls seat.
 "I am grateful to you for most delight ful afternoon" he said earnestly. 'I am sorry that our ways part so quickly but