The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-21

swayed directly behind the engine, Miss Sarah sank back with a long sigh. She hoped they would not start at once; she did not want to begin out of breath. And every moment, being precious, she longed to prolong.
 Were going to start in a minute. Bis marck," she whispered into the basket. You'll feel a jolt and we'll be goingi I'll open the basket and let you look out, 9maybe.''
 It was not a new prospect" to Miss Sarah. She knew all the fields and pastures and scattered homes along the way-which was not 8 long way-to the Junction. But there were plenty of new things to see-new shingles on old roofs. new planted crops, new sun burned children. Miss Sarah watch ed the cloth eslines and smiled with pleas ure at the discovery of tiny long clothes on them. She held tightly in her arms the great soft bulk of Bis mark and made aloud her delighted comments. Already the new wine of youth and change and travel tingled in her old veins.
 In less than half an hour the little train jerked- it's modest way into the great trainshed of the Junction and the real excitement of the day began. What went before was only the thin soup that heralds the feast. Miss Sarah, valise and Bismark, descended to the platform in a twitter of delicious an- ticipation. There was her own par ticular vantage point to secure If pos fLat entrances impartially and was nearest to the spot the train announcer usual- ly selected at which to shout his trains. It was empty! Jouously Miss Sarah bore down upon it. Quite familiarity and at her ease she treaded the crowd Miss Sarah was an experienced trav- eler.
 This especial Junction was the meet ing point of two great lines as well as of several little branches like the one to Little River. The big station had a fine, metropolitan air and was al- ways filled with a bustling throng of tourists. Its restaurant and news stand, waiting room and long, cov- cred platform were Miss Sarah's won der and pride. As one of it's old pat rons she considered herself eligible to pride in its glories.
 The enjoyment began at once. The plain face under the black bonnet beamed good wishes on the entire roomful at large, then Miss Sarah pro- ceeded to pick out her particular folks" That young mother over there in the corner jogging fretting baby in a monotonous, patient way--Miss |. I 41I... 1, ~I@ oI. made an interested differences. The poor thing was tired out-then she'd been there a good while. The baby lurched and fumed futilely-then the baby was teething. It was hard to travel with teething baby. Miss Sarah saw her first opportunity.
 "Bismark"-sher set the big basket on the seat-"you keep this place for me. I'm coming right back" And crossing the room she accosted the young mother with the freting child.
 "Dearie, you let me hold him a lit tie spell. You come acrost and sit with me--theres a seat next to mine. You're all wore out"
 Yes, oh, yes, the young mother was all "wore out and the chance to rest her arms was sorely needed. Moreover Miss Sarah's face was a plain index to her kind old heart. With sigh of relief the young lnOtHcI SuTFcHuoTou HeT uneasy burden and followed with her bags across the room to Bismarck.
 But your train-you might miss it, she said as they sat down. Miss Sarah smiled and dandled the baby.
 I'm going to stay all day. Miss Sarah said with gentle finality.
 "Oh," smiled the other, little puzzled but reassured. That's a longer wait thi mine, but, mercy, 1t seems as if I'd be here all day! I've got an hour more.i
 Have you had anything to eat?-no breakfast? And been travelling all night! Well, now you go get you a nice cup O tea this minute. I'll be right here when you come back, an the baby, too! I shouldn't be mite surprised if he dropped off to sleep"
 The young mother turned impulsively 'I guess you've had plenty of babies of your own," she said and wondered at the sudden dimming of the radiance in Miss Sarah's eyes. The old face descended sud- denly to the level of the tiny new face and the faded cheek touched softly the little, round cool one.
 Nc" Miss Sarah sighed gently, but I've had plenty of other folks. Other