The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-02-23
!: A Pudding In
Distress.
BY FANNIE NlEDBURY PENDlETON.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.

train. If so, then fate was materially
assisted by a little old lady over
whom he nearly stumbled and who
wildly clutched his arm.
She was very much out of breath.
and her hair had blown free from her
bonnet until the stray locks stood out
in the wintry winds like silver halo
oh" she cried breathlessly, my
granddaughter has forgotten the
Christmas pudding! Shes on the
train. Will you please give it TO her?
Her names Oh the wrapper"
Cartwright mechanically accepted
the pudding thus thrust upon him.
Promise to put it into her own
hands," pleaded the little old lady
anxiously.
Cartwright nodded as he clutched
the railing of the last car and pulled
himself up. AS the train swept around
the curve he caught last glimpse of
her face. Her eyes were fixed upon
the package under his arm.
81 actually believe she thinks | want
her old pudding" grinned Cartwright.
"She doesn't trust me-"
The train, which was the last local
for the city, was crowded with would
be shoppers, with homegoers and
guests bound cityward. Every seat
was occupied At last Cartwright
found a place beside a young woman
who ohigingly made room for him and
Immediately resumed the study Of the
snowy landscape through which the
train was rushing.
Cartwright glanced casually at her
voluminous brown veil; then his eyes
fell to the travelling pudding. and he
turned over the package to find the
name.
1t was written in fine, old fash
ioned hand and read, MARY Lang.
1919 Essex place"
A pucker appeared between his eyes
and bade fair to develop into a scowl
when he became conscious that the
gaze Of the girl was fixed likewise
upon the package.
"Pardon me-" he cried impulstvely
"you don't happen to be Miss Mary
Lang. do your"
The girl turned very pretty and
astonished face toward him.
"You see," he continued eagerly. II
don't know a soul at the station where
1 got Unchanged cars there and near,
ly got left. Just as was making for
the train q lady requested me to deltv-
er this. 1t is pudding" ne explained
impressively, land from the evident
value set upon 1t by the maker judge
that it Is good one and that my re-
sponsibility Is vast"
There was a responsive twinkle in
the girls eye.
"Sorry | can't help you out" she
said. "Why not ask the conductor:
He will know who got on at that sta
ton. l did myself, but we had to
bury to catch the train, and l didn't
rotice my fellow passengers ~
Tickets, please"
"Say, conductor" cried Cartwright.
"cau you tell me who got en- at Alton
Junction." and he explained the prob
lem Of the pudding.
The conductor grinned.
"There was the lady two seats
ahead" he answered, "the ore with
glasses
Cartwright inspected her with comic
dismay.
"Im shy man." he announced, land
If it be she perhaps you bad better
tackle her, conductor. don't want the
joD."
"Well, there's the fat lady in the yel-
low waist with buttons, and the girl
in the front seat, and the family just
behind. and
"YOu don't know even If she's grown
up, do you:" queried the girl. who had
become quite interested in the proceed,
ings.
A'That's So" assented Cartwright rue
fully. But feel by the pricking of
my thumbs that she's homely as u
hedge fence, cross eyed and at least
fifty"
''That may not interfere with her ap'
petite for plum pudding" suggested the
girl mirthfully. She had put back the
enveloping brown veil. and her dark
eyes gazed straight into Cartwright's.
Il wish you were Mary Lang" be
said, with decision.
"I'm very well satisfied as am" she
answered, dropping her eyes demurely
The conductor had returned.
-Lend me the precious pudding" be
suggested, "Guess l can help you
out"
He walked to the front Of the car
and faced about.
.Ts there a lady in this car by the
name Of Mary Lang?" he shouted above
the roar Of the train.
There was much turning Of heads,
but no response. The conductor dis
appeared into the car ahead. while
lIflNIlHlll Nli'd iiii"-iii"'. Ni'Po Va
perspiration from his forehead.
"TEis suspense IS awful. he OBJ
served. With hands ci,spcd dramat'
ic;l,lr hc awaited the outcome.
The door opened \ gi:-gl" came
from the "i"l ard Il %rnan from Cart
WRIGHT rs The crnGrrtcr returned
lca.iig before him the prd.!i!@. still
ln"'ar,nG re dropped it into Cart
wri~ht'S hand.
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