Connecticut western news., 1908-12-10
H Watter of Conventions By CLARdSSA MACkIE. Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
 Literary Press.
By CLARISSA MACkIE.

ed while two passengers alighted, and then it hurried off. as if it was glad to get away from such an insignificant stopping place.
 Elsie Lansing accepted her leather bag from the taciturn station agent. who at the same time pushed a suit case toward the other traveller, a tall young man. buttoned up in a gray ul- ster.
 Stage here for Greentop" queried the latter, picking up his grip.
 ''Not this day." returned the agent grimly. "Jim Laidlaw, he seems to think Saturdays made special sos he can git little drunker'n usual! If you ain't expected, you'll have to walkp' With which remark he slam med the station door and turned the key.
 "Let me see-it's twelve miles to Greentop, isn't itr' asked the stranger thoughtfully.
 Twelve and a half. Straight road ahead" The agent tramped away across the platform and disappeared inside a small cottage perched on the high bank above the tracks.
 Elsie Lansing looked dubiously at the frozen road stretching away be- tween pine clad heights, faintly touch ed with the early morning sun. She had travelled all night and had telc- graphed for her newly acquired broth er-in-law to meet her.
 There was no sign of the white mo- tor car which had been part of the bridal equipment and which was 70 speed her to the. Eyrie, in the Green mountains, away from civilization and its attendant comforts. , "If you are going to Greentop, per init me to carry your bag," said the young man, lifting hls bat. Tt Is a stiff walk, but perhaps II will stimu- late an appetite for dinner
 You are very s.od," replied Elsie pleasantly, "but my bag IS not heavy. and l can easily carry 1t myself"
 Without further conversation they left the station and made their way along the road in the shadow of the pines.
 It was a crisp day, with a tang of early winter in the breath of the north wind. It was un invigoratinG day, with its strong scent of I':ne and balsom, the rattle of crisp, dry cones and the sweet purity of mountain air .s.n.
 The stranger walked on ahead with long, swinging strides. His head was bent thoughtfully, and it was quite evi- dent that he had forgotten the girl, who was struggling to keep pace with him. Suddenly he turned and per ceived her.
 "I must ask your pardcn." he cried commtseratively. 'I forgot-that is, I did not realize how fas; was walk ing. Let me take your bag. You are very tired"
 He took it from her unres;sting hand and looked down at the delicate cheek, paler by contrast of the fringing dark lashes.
 "I hope it isn't much farther" she admitted ruefully. "I have been Ill. and my strength Is fckle."
 He stopped and looked about him. They had come to slight opening in the forest, where the sun streamed over fallen tree trunks and glinted on the surface of tiny brook that wound it's way across the road.
 "We will rest here" he said, with g note of authority in his voice. ''It is good deal farther. We have come perhaps three miles. If you will let me take you back to the station I will return to Greentop and procure a COZ veyance of some sort"--
 "No," she objected. sinking wcarily on to a fallen log. ri will be rested presently. You sec, I didn't eat any breakfast, and"--
 No breakfastp' he echoed bIanllly. 'I don't wonder you are tired. Wait q minute, please" He knelt down before his suit case and unlocked it. From it's depths of masculine appare. he brought forth a small alcohol stove. bottle of the necessary liquid and sElall tin of beef extract.
 Elsie watched him with amused in- terest. With dcft fingers he filled and lighted the lamp Rid opened the tin of extract. "I wonder If he is n drum mer and is demonstrating some of his waresw
 But there was something in the mans thin, intellectual face, with it's nearsighted blue eyes behind thick glasses, that belled her estimate. There was a vague familiarity about his movements that puzzled her.
 Here" he satd, approaching her with a small silver drinking cup. drink this. please"
 "You- are very kind indeed" she said gratefully, slipping the hot liquid. 'I am afraid I am depriving you of your luncheon"
 / He threw back his head and laughed heartily. Elsie liked the laugh and decided that she liked the man.
 Excuse me. but you must thin!; Pm m old maid to be travelling about with that equipment" he said You see, I have an invalid aunt in Greentop. These are to rejoice her aeartr'
 T have bonbons in my bag" con saC-o6 1cin