Middletown transcript., 1908-11-14

He also strolied along the corrl-
dor and gave two. cigars 70 Sam
son and two to the guard, with
the like object. As they SWING
round q curve, he put his head
ont and was disappointed at be-
ING unable to see the tail lightsof
the S.27, although Reading had
been left behind some ten min
utes ago. The guard assured
him that there was no danger OF
running right past the s.27 with
out noticing it. the two trains be-
ING on the same line. AS they
sment shrieking. through Swim
don. he caught a glimpse OF Q
handsome girl standing in the
lamplight by a pile Of luggage on
the up platform. The vision
went like a flash. He ieaped back
and rushed for the guard. ne
saw it all. It was Eva, who had
got out at the first stopping place
and was now waiting for the
next train back to town.
This train must be stopped,
said Bertie, hnrriedly but firmly.
The guard said he was sorry,
but
/ tell you this train must be
stopped at once. Where is the
engine-drlver ? Every second
means miles.
The guard acknowledged the
compliment to the company, but
The engine pat on al extra
turn of speed. The lights OF the
up express flashed by with 2
roar.
This is m6nstrous! said Berthe.
Where is the communication
cord, that / may draw the atten-
ton of the guard?
I am all attention., sir, said the
guard.
Confound these corridor trains
said BERTHE, wrathfully. Whoever
wants to talk to the guard with
out stopping the train frsts
It would be FIVE pounds to do
it, sin
Then / will have five pounds
worth! exclaimed Bertie, dancing
about.
OF course, said the guard, with
a thoughtful smile, of course,
five pounds might make q differ
ence.
Here! said BERTHE, producing q
note and thrusting it upon him,
collect the fine. Now let me out,
Very good, sir, said the guard,
deliberately folding the note and
placing it in his official portfolio.
Very good. sir; we are now some
ten miles from Swindon, and you
can walk back along the line il
nobody notices you. ! will sig!
nal to the driver.
Hi! No! said BERTHE, pansing in
his frenzy. Perhaps ! had bet
ter go on to Exeter.
AS you please, sir; for your
money you have your choice.
Give me the FIVE pounds back
l am afraid, sir, that / hold il
on behalf of the company, and,
as a confidential agent
But you haven't stopped the
train. insisted BERTHE.
But / will, sir, if you wish.
Rertie exploded. Confound
you. Then give me back the
half Crown!
We make it q point of honor
sir, never to return gratuities.
Very we'll, said BERTHE, very
well; stop the train. I mean X
have some value for my money.
Certainly, sir There is al
express to town from Exetel
which you may catch If we ar
up to time. I viii ring to thl
engine driver.
You needn't trouble, repliet
BERTHE, sulkily. Is dinner nearly
ready?
1t was about 11.3O that even
ing when q weary and indignan
figure presented itself at th'
police station which supple
Portman Square.
| say, said the fgare, whom
on careful examination we ma.
recognize as Bertie, to the con
stable at the door, I say, Wha
did the Jackson case decide
Can't say, I'm sure, 'aven'
seen the hevening paper.
Oh, you're no good. / want
lawyer. Where IS the superin
tendent in charge?
The superintendent was an ol'
friend.
Good evening, sir, he said
genially. What can ! do for yol
this time?