Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-01-19
TX, BRATTLEBORO, FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 10Oe

train came. Presently he felt a slight
vibration, which increased with great
rapidity; and then, quite close, came
the thunder Of iron upon iron. George
Townley shut his eyes, and, with his
frenzied fingers gripping the rack above
him, waited for the crash With a shrek
and roar the train for which his own
had been waiting rushed by on another
line. Then his train moved on.
George Townley's relief was only mo-
mentary. Two tunnels in quick success
sion left him wondering whether he were
still alive Then came a long subter-
ranean station, and finally the great
terminus itself Once more hope surged
back into his heart. Divine justice, after
ALL was going to prove a failure.
Dizzily he rose to his feet, and with
frantic fingers struggled to fasten up the
straps OF his bag. Even yet there was
time for an accident, even yet some
stupid slgnalman might send another
train flying into them. Despite his fever
ish haste, the other three passengers all
ambled out leisurely before him At last
the bag was fastened; and out he jumped
Halfway down the long platform he had
hurried before he discovered that his head
was bare. He could not go on without his
hat; 1t would make him too remarkable;
and he objected to remark. So back he
rushed. Then he found that he had for
gotten his compartment. In and out of
IL
almost shrieking with rage and fear, he
thrust his white, strained face. At last
he had II, and at a shaky trot he hurried
down the platform. There was a large
crowd at the barrier; and he pushed his
way into the midst Of II.
Then he remembered he had no ticket
II he offered to pay, It would mean ex-
plantations, and waiting until everybody
else had passed; perhaps another five
minutes or more in the horrid, choking
station. He would risk it. The human
current carried him up to the iron gate;
and. In as firm voice as he could
muster, he said, Season." and tried to
pass.
The ticket collector looked sharply at
him, and put out a OBTAINING hand.
Il beg your pardon. sir; but must ask
you to show your ticket"
Il haven't 1t on me-" stammered George
Townley. Il am in hurry. Kindly let
me pass"
Il am afraid 1 must ask you to stop
and see the station master" said the
man. Those are my orders. II won't
take Ave minutes"
Just as the last passenger was let
through up came the station master.
Left your season-ticket behind you.
slr?" he inquired. .'Will you kindly write
your name and address in my book?"
In semi-dazed condition, George
Townley walked to the station-master
room. Mechanically he took the pen
which was offered him. and wrote his
name and address. The station-master
looked at the book, glanced swiftly at the
writer's face and whistled.
You are tired. SIR" he said respect
fully. win you rest here a minute or
two?"
He shut up the book. and placed it I'M
der his arm. Then he stepped outside,
and spoke to a couple of porters. George
lao nNN - Ii.
He was dreadfully tired; and here at any
rate, he was safe. No fear OF a train
running of the line so far as this Divine
Justice. after ALL was only myth. His
head fell forward on to the table In front
OF him; and. in a few seconds, he was
asleep
The opening Of the door awoke him.
He lifted his head drowslly. and saw
three men in the doorway looking at him.
One OF the men stepped briskly forward.
Good evening. Mr.. Broadhurst." he
said.
George Townley was on his feet in a
second. The shock had acted on. him
like tonic: and he was as cool and
calculating as ever. Either he must have
misheard, or the use of the name was a
mere coincidence For the man who adj
dressed him was complete stranger.
My name is Townley." he said quiet
ly Here is my card"
The man smiled.
Your pardon, sir But may this be
your handwriting?"
He thrust the station masters book
under George Townley's nose. There, in
his usual hand, was his usual signature:
Josiah Broadhurst." and below II his
country address.
Then George Townley realized that
divine vengeance. after playing with him
for an hour or more. had CONTEMPORARY
tossed him over to the vengeance OF a
man.-tM Hardy in The Outlook