The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1907-01-24
TRAPPED
-. BY.
4. j. HOWELL. Jr.
Copyright. 1905. by A. j.. Howell. Jr.

myself as Il victim to keen, ir-
resistible relish for adventure. As
boy was placed in many precarious
positions, but through my happy go
lucky way of looking at them gener-
ally emerged all right. As n man, too,
N--~. .''s. hona 'mnroved but little
In this particular.
often recall my first trip to Ethel
burg year or more ago, with Just
what feelings will leave you to Judge.
The house wanted me to open mp some
new territory and | protested. MS any
salesman would do, but was told that
! was the only man TO break the new
ground and had to go. ! made one or
two points IN a disgruntled sort Of splr-
II. but after ! had sent Ia some large
orders l began TO get Interested. 1t
was good agricultural country, and n
drummer doesn't have to Dc long on
the road to learn that good business
may be expected where things look
prosperous out of the car windows
The day ] rolled Into Ethelburg was
splendid. Just warm enough to awaken
II sense OF dreamy luxury.
There was a pretty girl across the
aisle from me who looked ut the Inn
inensc green beds II garden truck, the
delicate new foliage OF the trees and
the barnyard scenes with sucb an EVIL
dent air of pleasure that ! gradually
fell into llusing how glorious 1t would
be to settls down right herewith her
to spend the balance Of my life In
the rich delights Of country life. lin
gered over the dream. stealing occa
sional glimpses Of her for inspiration.
Just before we reached Etbelburg,
however, q fellow came In from the
smoker and. with eyes widening from
surprise. stepped forward and after a
cautious look about the car stopped
and kissed her. looked painfully out
of the window. The green lettuce and
the peach blossoms became "A mockery.
At Ethelburg ! sauntered forth upon
the station platform, looking listlessly
about me. Ny eyes soon wandered be-
yond the row OF waiting carriages to n
girl dressed In white and seated In a
trap. She was looking directly at me-
and as she caught my eye her face
frightened into n CHEEKY smile, and
she waved her gioyed hand In most
familiar salutation lifted my hat
and bowed happily. There was an un-
mlstakable Invitation In her look for
me to go over and speak to her. and
my pulse thrilled with new sensation.
felt at once that II was case OF mis-
taken Identity, but to make sure ! cast
hurried glance behind me could
see no one whose greeting | had appro-
priated
did not hesitate Perhaps ! should
have done so. paying some regard 10
the proprlcttes Of the case. was de
termined. however. 10 make the most |
OF pleasant game and IN moment ] /
was brushing through the noisy car
riage drivers. stiIl exchanging little to
keks Of recognition with the girl.
She spoke first I'VE didn't know /
whether you were coming or not" she |
said, extending her hnnd. "but told
papa that believed you would be here /
today and not walt for Tom"
realized my predlcament. but there
was no power on earth that could deter 1
ine from following up the little decep |
tion as far ns ! might consider pru- +
dent BY quick intuition ! felt sure
that the part was 10 lmpersonate was
that OF young man who was expert
ed on visit 10 The capacity OF a
friend OF her brother
Yes" answered vaguely. but with
a warm grasp OF her hand. III was
convenient 10 come Just now. and I
thought | might as well not walt
nm delighted 10 see you looking 40
kelI"
She listened with such an eager In.
terest that felt flush Of embarrass.
nent rise 10 my face. II was mo
rseDiary touch Of weakness, and ! Inn
Inediafeiy tried to steel myself against
! repetition OF II.
Thank you" she answered moving !
% the other side OF the seat ''Do you
In0w, I think II was really clever VI I