Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-05-26
IT'S q BAD STORM
THAT HELPS NOBODY
[Original.1.

the parlor car, but among them were
man and a woman who attracted the
attention of the others. The woman
sat modify unmindful of what was go
ing on about her; the man was alter
nately peering out of the window and
endeavoring to infuse bit Of cheerful
ness into his companion. The train
moved slower and slower and at last
stopped.
In the car all was still; ahead was q
babel Of notes.-the engineer, conduct
or and trainmen consulting as to what
should be done. A strain on the boiler
had prevented further making of
steam, which not only interfered with
progress, but prevented heating the
cars. 1t was decided to send a man to
a station a mile ahead to telegraph for
an engine.
When the couple in the parlor car
| learned this the face of the man took
| on a greater uneasineSs. The steam
having been shut off, the car rapidly
cooled and, the thermometer being be-
low zero, the prospect of comfort was
at the ebb.
Il think we shall get on again pres
| emily" said the man reassuringly.
II wish we would have to go back"
A frown gathered on his brow II
supposed your mind was made up" he
said. what has come over you?"
Il wonder who put Alice to bed to-
night?'
There was silence between them-a
gloomier silence than before. Then the
man said he would go forward and in
quire into the prospect. While he was
gone the porter of the car said to the
lady:
"Yo' might go into de house wha' yo'
see de light up yondah."
A sudden idea seized the woman
Dropping a piece of money into the
mans hand, she babe him lead the
way. She seemed to wish to escape
from something besides the cold Once
out Of the car the porter helped her
through snowdrifts to the house in
question. 1t was a mere cot, and it's
only occupants were a man and a baby.
The porter left, saying that he would
come for her before the train started.
She slipped another coin into his hand
and asked him to tell the gentleman
who had been with her that she would
take a rest and did not wish to be dis
turbed till it became necessary. She
charged him not to let the gentleman
with whom she was travelling know
where she was. The porter was to slip
away and come to her.
The baby was restless and cried. The
| man, after vainly endeavoring to quiet
it, took it up.
"Where is its mother?' asked the
lady.
'Tbe child has no mother"
|'Dead?'
"Worse."
A convulsive shudder passed over
her, as if some one had struck her
"Even though the man who took her
away was far preferable to me, won
der she could have left this helpless
child-her child-to go with him."
| Another shudder passed over the lady.
She looked at the man holding the babe
with pair of wild eyes that bespoke
| terror, misery, remOrse. He was not
looking at her and went on with his
talk, which was addressed as much to
himself as to her.
GA woman who can desert her child
is not woman. She is monster. 1t
is bad enough to go off with another.
man, but to leave her child to die but
for the fathers care, and that father
having to go out to work, is the worst
Of crimes. If l were making the laws
| might not hang a woman for murder,
but l should hang her for deserving her
baby"
The listener turned a CHASTITY white.
but, do you know, I'd forgive her
if she'd only come back" he went on.
and his voice trembled. eyes, I'd for
give her the whole thing. Not only on
the child's account, but on her own.
The man who took her away got a
story on me which had just enough
truth in it to make her believe it all,
| and she wasn't strong enough to resist
| his influence. Yes, I'd take her back.
but, he added gloomily, sit would
never be the same again. There would
| always be the shame of it,
A locomotive whistle sounded, and
| presently footsteps came crunching in
the snow. The door opened, and the
porter appeared.
"We'll be off soon,'' he said.
"Have you told the gentleman where
ann"
"No, ma'am. He tried to make me,
but l wouldn't"
! Il want you to stay with me-"
What, stay here and let the train
| go On?'
Eyes"
"Lor', missus, couldn't do dat; I'd
git discharged"
I'll get you better position
From her purse she took a roll Of
bills and handed it to him, then turn
ing to the man with the baby she said,
1--WE must get out of the way in case
they search