The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-11-29

tween hor and "the handsome fire
man." as Dave was called had conse-
quences. He had on his jumper and
was grimy, but she saw beyond that
Her heart was beating faster before
she had been IN the cab Ave minutes.
During the next month that cab ride
was repeated three or four times on
one excuse and another, but the en-
glneer grinned and said nothing. What
uight be- called clandestine CORE
spondence followed. Perhaps there
were clandestine meetings In the park
when Dave had his days off The very
TACT that an employee Of railroad
dares to fall in love with the daughter
Of the general manager is clandes
tine act.
The general manager had not vet
hunted up the son Of his old friend, b.
ing busy about those new cars AMI
having to smooth down the backs Of
several directors who believed that tho
road was going into bankruptcy, when
the motive power department promoted
the fireman to be engineer and gave
him a local Of more Importance.
II can't be said that Dave AMI Nette
were waiting for this thing to happen
that something else might be brought
about. but they were not long I'm taking
advantage Of It. The silly young couple
planned an elopement.
] una nri,.aV ttsovr btr Mice Nattiai.
maid, and the general manager laid bis
little plans accordingly. The girl and
her maid were allowed to depart for
Royaston in the cab Of Dawes engine
and at the first stop the G. NJ. left the
passenger car In which he had been
ensconced and appeared in the cab.
The way the maid shrleked out add
ed to the way the daughter turned pale
and the engineer turned red, were suf-
filcient evidence Of guilt The G. NJ.
meant to be an avenglng father, lie
meant to compel his daughter to faint
away with remorse and the engineer
to drop on his knees and beg pardon
for living until he could reach the next
station and get Off his engine. In fact.
the G.. NJ, had gun with him, and
there is never any telling what a man
who don't know the muzzle of a re-
volver from the butt may do when he
gets to playing herolcs.
Young lady!'- he had begun in his
sternest tones, when Dave interrupted
to take all the blame. While he was
taking It he gave his name and spoke
Of his father.
"Then-then you are David HolmesT
asked the G. NJ. as he put up his gun.
II can identify myself satisfactorily.
sir"
Then why In the devil haven't you
done so long ago2"
81 wanted to succeed by my own of
forts, and think | have done fairly
we'll"
Yes, think you have" said the Of
fetal as he looked at his daughter with
grim smile ON his face.
hFather, Dave has invented new
fire box for engines, and It's bound to
be q great success" said Nettie, with
an appealing look.
"And Is this clipping in an engine cab
one OF his Inventions as well?"
"And, papa, dear he has invented
new Kind Of frog-one you can't get
your foot fast IN and be run down
and he's got Jack by which one man
can lift five tons, and you don't know
low much coal and oil and labor he's
going to save. He's one Of the bright
est and smartest and dearest"-
THAT will do for just now" inter
rIpted the father as he laid hand on
her arm young man, do you think
you could find my house II you tried
very hard2"
II do, SIR" replied Dave.
Then ! will get or at the next sta
ton with the girls aud be looking for
you tomorrow evening. believe you
have the evening Off. want to talk
with you about these new FIRE boxes
frogs, Jacks and Opponents"
Dave found the house without going
far astray, and there was a conversa-
ton. The wayblls of the G. and s
road don't show whether the couple
had to walt three months or six but
they referred to David Holmes a year
later as a division superintendent and
he did not stop there. When the mar
riage took place the fathers face wore
a smile as he kissed the bride, but the
bride pouted and said
Now. papa how mean Of you to
spoil our romance and make us get
married In this stupid and old fashion
ed wayp
Ls .,--fnr.,