The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-12-16

anywhere. You see. it's nothing but junction. There's \the line from smokeborough where you came erom-that goes and west. Then there's the line from Normanford to Highdale that goes north and south is what you might call cross road Now, done here is the changing of passengers from line to the other. There's no village here and no Aouses except and the porter's. Outside, the EeIs. there farmhouses, but shouldn't care to attempt reaching even the nearest tonight"
 Miss Cherritons gray eyes grew wider than ever.
 "Wellv she began. If I--
 An approaching rumble caused the station master to seize his lamp. He made for the door.
 "Youu excuse me, miss" he said but that's the train from Normanford coming in. hope theren be no passengers it, for it'll not get past here tonight"
 He hurried out and Miss Cherriton gazed blankly ! glowing fire.
 Invited to spend Christmas in an old farmhouse in the north of state had timed her arrival for Christmas and now found herself. after long and cold journey, stranded at lonely station in the midst of fells She thought of the warm welcome which would have awaited-was awaitng-her of the sheery house. the lavish hospitality the Christmas lonity, the long talks she had meant to have with Lefty Trmblethwaite her hosts daughter and her old schoolfellow-and she felt that she had decided right to feel How long would she be snowbound? Perhaps she might starve to death! AL ogether, 1t sad prospect.
 She heard voices without-the station turned closely followed by @n young man. who closely mufied that Miss Cherriton could little more of his face than pair of eyes. which ooked decidedly wrathful
 This young lady, sir" said station master, gently, lis in the same predeament, as you might term it, as yourself. But it's as impossible to get 70 Hghdale tonight by train it is to fly there"
 "Can get trap" asked the newcomer inn patiently.
 No sir" replied the station master q First all, isn't a trap and second and thirdly, lastly, there trap 1t couldn't be got through this ynow."
 Then we're bottled up?' said the stranger
 I'm afraid sir" replied the station master. And I'm thankful you're the only persons that delivered here tonight For there only of you I think my wife will be able to find you ,ommodaton-humble, but clean and comfortable. miss, which will be better than sitting here. I'll go and her"
 I'm greatly obliged to you" said Miss Cherriton, with much relief.
 "I too" said the stranger Anything will do for a long I'm under roof. You too bound 'or Hghdale?" he continued glancng Miss Cherri- ton when the station master had and regarded her with interest We companions in distress"
 Yes" said Miss Cherriton " If I had known that such a storm coming on I would have travelled early this morning"
 "Ah. would I"' said the stranger. If I could have gotten away, but I couldn't. Dear-dear!-to ihink of John Trimbethwaites cheery this Nd cabnT
 Miss Cherriton looked at her partner in diversity with new interest. Were you going to Mir. Trimble- thwaitesT she asked Why, L"
 "Ah-har said the stranger. Well coincidence has long arm I am MT Trimblelnwaite's nephew my is Frank Marbury"
 70" said Miss Cherriton. I've heard of you often.