The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-17
THE EVENING STORY
A Matter of Conventions.
by Clarissa Mackie.1


away from such an insignificant stop
ping place.
Elsie Lansing accepted her leather
bag from the taciturn station agent,
who at the same time pushed a suit
case toward the other traveler-a tall,
young man, buttoned up in a gray ul-
ster.
stage here for Greentop?" queried
the latter, picking up his grip.
mot this dayI" returned the agent,
grimly Jim Laidlaw, he seems to
think Saturdays made special SOS he
can git little drunker'n usual! If you
amt expected, you'll have to walk"
With which remark he slammed the
station door, and turned the key.
Let me see-it's IL miles to Green
top, isn't it?' asked the stranger
thoughtfully.
Twelve and a half. Straight road
ahead" The agent tramped away
across the platform and disappeared in
side a small cottage perched on the
high bank above the tracks.
Elsie Lansing looked obviously at the
frozen road, stretching away between
pine-clad heights, family touched with
the early morning sun. She had trav-
eled all night, and had telegraphe for
her newly acquired brother-in-law to-
meet her.
There was no sign of the white motor
car which had been a part of the bril-
dial equipment, and which was to speed
her to the Eyrie in the Green Noun
tains, away from civilization and it's
attendant comforts.
eff you are going to Greentop, per-
NIT me to carry your bag" said the
young man, lifting his hat. 1T is
stiff walk. but perhaps it will stimu-
late an appetite for dinner"
you are very good" replied Elsie,
pleasantly, but my bag is not heavy,
and I can easily carry it myself"
Without further conversation, they
left the station and made their way
along the road in the shadow of the
pines.
1t was a crisp day with a tang of
early winter in the breath of the north
wind. 1t was an invigorating day, with
its strong scent of pine and balsam, the
rattle of crisp, dry cones and the sweet
purity of mountain air.
The stranger walked on ahead, with
long, swinging strides. His head was
bent thoughtfully and it was quite evil
dent that he had forgotten the girl, who
was struggling to keep pace with him.
Suddenly he turned and perceived her.
II must ask your pardon" he cried
commiseratingly. IT forgot-that is,
did not realize how fast I was walking.
Let me take your bayou are very
tired"
He took it from her unresisting hand
and looked down at the delicate cheek, |
paler by contrast Of the fringing dark
lashes.
II hope it isn't much farther" she
admitted ruefully. 81 have been i'll and |
my strength is fickle.'
He stopped and looked about him. |
They had come to a slight opening In |
the forest, where the sun streamed over |
fallen tree trunks and glinted on the |
surface of a tiny brook, that wound its |
way across the road.
1--WE will rest here" he said with a
note of authority in his voice. 1T is a
good deal farther. We have come
perhaps, three miles If you Will let
me take you back to the station, will
return to Greentop, and procure a con-
veyance of some sort
mo" she objected, sinking YEARLY
on to a fallen log. II win be rested
breakfast and
mo breakfast?" he echoed blankly.
"I don't wonder you are tired. Wait a
minute. pleased" He knelt down before
his suit case and unlocked it. From its
depths of masculine apparel he brought
forth a small alcohol stove bottle OF
the necessary liquid, and small tin OF
beef extract.
terest With deft fingers he filled and
lighted the lamp, and opened the tin OF
extract ct wonder if he is drum
mer' and is demonstrating some or MS
wares"
But there was something in the
mans thin. intellectual face, with its
near-sighted blue eyes behind thick
glasses, and belied her estimate. There
was a vague familiarity about his
that puzzled ner.
Here" he said, approaching her
with a small silver drinking cup, drink
this, please"
gratefully, slipping the hot liquid. Il am
afraid I am depriving you of your
luncheon"
He threw back his head and laugh
ed heartily Elsie liked the laugh and
decided that she liked the man.
Excuse me, but you must think I'm
oId travelling
with that equipment" he said. You
see. have an invalid aunt in Greentop.
These are to rejoice her heart!"
81 have bon-bons in my bag" con-
fessed Elsie shall we eat them?"
Lets" he assented gayly.,
thrown away, and the spirit lamp and
it's appurtenances had been returned
to the suit case, Elsie arose and drew
her furs about her white throat.
st feel like new woman" she said
s.The lord forbid" he cried with
They laughed in unison, as they re-
sumed their journey. The way seem
ed shorter now as they chatted of i'm
personal matters Once the man re-
ferred to a certain scientific work.
st haven't read that; 1 did read
Professor Rays book on the same
subject"
~Ah! You have read Rays book?"
he questioned
She nodded. ST had tor
"Why under complusion?" There
was deep interest in his tone.
"You see, Peter Ray is my brother
in-law's elder brother"
''You know him?" he asked.
mot at all. I have never seen him,
but Bob says he is a jolly grind, and
my sister says he is charming"
"See that squirrel said the man
suddenly changing the subject; cit is a
flying squirrel and his antics are worth
Squirrels are perfect aero
BATS