The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1908-12-16
81 Matter ST
Conventions
BY CLARISSA MACklE.
Copyrighted, 1905. by Associated
Literary Press.

The train screamed its way through
the valley, grunted up the steep In
cline and came to Il standstill before
the ramshackle little station. 1t paus-
ed while two passengers alighted, and
then II hurried Off, as If II was glad to
get away from such an insignificant
stopping place.
Elsie Lansing accepted her leather
bag from the taeiturn station agent,
who ut the same time pushed suit
ease toward the other traveller, tall
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 cit little drunker'n usual. II
YOU aunt expected, you'll have to
Walk With which remark he slam
med the station door and turned the
key.
Let me see-it's twelve miles to
Greentop isn't it," asked the stranger
thoughtfully,
Twelve and half. Straight road
ahead The agent tramped away
across the platform and disappeared
inside n small cottage perched ON the
hlgh bank above the tracks.
Elsie Lansing looked obviously at
;he frozen road stretching away be
tween pine clad heights, family touch
cd with the early morning sun. She
had Travelled all night and had tele-
eraphcd for her newly acquired broth
er-in=ldw to meet her.
There was no sign of the white mo-
ter ear which had been part of the
bridal equipment and which was to
speed her 10 the Eyrie. In the Green
mountains, away from civilization and
lis attendant comforts.
IF you are going to Greentop, per
init me 10 carry your bag" said the
Young man, lifting his hat. at is Il
stiff walk, but perhaps 1t Will stimu-
late an appetite for dinner.
You are very geod," replied Elsie
pleasantly. but my bag Is not heavy,
and 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.
II WAS ii crisp day, with II tang OF
carly winter in the breath OF the north
wind. It was an invigoraiing day, with
its strong scent of pine and balsom, 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 eVi=
dent that he had forgotten the girl.
who was struggling TO keep pace with
him. Suddenly he turned and per-
eelycd her.
II must ask your pardon!' he cried
commiseratively II foreot-that Is. |
did not realize how fast | was walk
ing Let me take your bag You are
very tired.
He took IT from her unresisting hand
and looked down ut the delicate cheek,
paler by contrast of the fringiDg dark
lashes.
Il hope ii isn't much farther" she
admitted ruefully. Il have been Ill.
and my strength Is tickle"
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 tiny brook that wound
Its way across the road
We Will rest here he said, with n
note Of authority In his voice ut Is
II good deal farther. We have come
perhaps three miles. If you Will let
me take you back 10 the station | will
return to Greentop and procure n con
veyance of some sort
NO" she objected, sinking YEARLY
on to fallen log. Il Will be rested
presently. You see, | didn't eat any
breakfast, and
mo BREAKFAST he echoed bankly
II don't wonder YOU are tired Walt n
minute. plcase!" He knelt down before
his suit ease and unlocked IT. From It's
depths Of masculine apparel he brought
forth small alcohol stove. Il bottle OF
the necessary liquid and n small tin Of
beef extract
Elsie watched him with amused in
ferest. With deft fingers lie filed and
lighted the lamp and opened the tin of
extract. Il wonder if he Is q drum
mer and Is demonstrating some Of his
wares"
But there was something in the
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