Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1908-02-12

the rain? Well, there's one constable
that knows his duty
Are you the constable?" demanded
Howard. The other flashed his star
with gesture of pride, and Howard
went on:
II am the operator from the juno
ton. had a message from Miss Bay
liss. She telegraphed that she was In
trouble. and came to her assistance"
81 guess Lottie Bayliss don't have to
call on the junction for no help while
I'm here" was the rejoinder ''Lottie
never sent no message like that That's
too thin a story. young fellow
"But it is true" Forsythe persisted
'FOrce the door, and you will find her
tied to a chair There have been rob-
bers here already
The constable grinned.
You want to tell me that she's tied
to chair? I was over to Glen Bay
liss' tonight. Jest came away from
there. Lottie said good night to me.
Come along now"
Are you going to take me to the
tail:' Forsythe demanded.
''That's what l be-" was the answer
in uncompromising tones.
Twill you stop at the Baylisses on the
way there:' he begged. 1T will only
take moment, and Miss Bayliss will
identify me-
The constable paused uncertainty,
but at last he decided to grant the re-
quest. and lie led Howard up the trim
walk through the Bayliss garden
Il caught this young fellow trying to
break into the station. He declared
that LOttie telegraphed him to come
up" he explained to his recent host.
Lottie came into the hall at that mo-
ment.
II did not telegraph for Mr.. For
sythe.' she said coldly. Il have not
been in the station ali evening""
But you did, persisted Howard.
"You telegraphed me that you were
bound to a chair in the station and
that robbers We're preparing to blow
open the safe. I would know your
Morse anywhere any time"
To the surprise Of all Lottie began
to laugh so that she sank down upon
a chair. 1t was some minutes before
she could explain. At last her mirth
abated.
II am teaching my nephew, Ted,
telegraphy.' she explained. Il Dor.
rowed some wire from the construc-
ton department.. and most of it is
strung on the railroad poles. I was
practicing with him tonight, and sent
that absurd message for fun. The
wire must have broken in the storm
and crossed your wire, and that Ia
how you happened to get it,
"And it's a sell:' he asked ruefully
rs he thought of the hard trip.
"How did you come up" she asked.
ION the track bicycle" he explained.
Through all this Storm"
Howard nodded.
"You poor boy" she said. "You must
have nearly killed yourself. Father
will take you upstairs and give you
some dry clothes
1T would be no USE" he reminded.
'1've got to get back again. The limit
ed goes through at 6 and must be re-
ported"
"But you will take good care of your
self when you get back, won't you:"
she pleaded.
Howard nodded. She followed him
to the door.
Howard" she called, as he was
turning away. He came back up the
steps.
Pm going down to see Cousin Jane
tomorrow afternoon" she said softly.
I'll tell you then how sorry 1 am that
l was cross and hateful the other
night"
There was soft sound of meeting
lips. and then Howard went down the
walk. The rain still poured in sheets,
but he did not notice it. In answering
the call he had found not danger, but
happiness, at the other end of the wire.