The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1909-01-07
: A PuddisG9 I'm
Distress.
By FANNIE MEDCUAY PENDlfTON.
} CorYrightad 1905 BY Associated
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

Perhaps it was fate that belated
Cartwrlght-And caused him to rush
across the station platform just as
the last passenger climbed aboard the
train. If SO, then fate was materially
assisted by a little old lady over
whom be 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 a silver halo
oh" she cried breathlessly my
granddaughter has forgotten the
Christmas pudding! She's on the
train. Will you please give it to her?
Her names on the wrapper"
Cartwright mechanically accepted
the pudding thus thrust upon him.
Promise to put 1t into her own
hands," pleaded the little old lady
anxiously
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.
II actually believe she thinks l 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 place beside young woman
who obligingly made room for him and
Immediately resumed the study of the
snowy landscape through which the
train was rushing.
Cartwright glanced casually at her
vGuminous 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
toned hand and read, Mary Lang
1919 Essex place"
pucker appeared between his eyes
when he became conscious that the
gaze of the girl was fixed likewise
upon the package.
Pardon me-" he cried impulsiyely;
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, Il
don't know soul at the station where
| got Unchanged cars there and near
ly got left. Just as | was making for
the train lady requested me to deliv-
err this. 1t is q pudding" he explained
impressively, land from the evident
value set upon it by the maker judge
that 1t is a 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. 'Wby 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
notice my fellow passengers.
Tickets, please"
Say, conductor" cried Cartwright,
"can you tell me who got on 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 one with
glasses"
Cartwright inspected her with comic
dismay.
I'm shy man." he announced, land
IL 1t be she perhaps you had better
tackle her, conductor. don't want the
job"
"Well, there's the fat lady In the vel
low waist with buttons, and the girl
in the front seat, and the family just
behind. and
up. do your queried the girl, who had
become quite interested in the proceed
ings
-"Thats So" assented Cartwright rue
fully. But l feel by the pricking of
my thumbs that she's homely as
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.
81 wish you were Mary Lang he
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" he
suggested Guess can help you
out
He walked to the front of the car
and faced about
'Is there 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
Cartwright wiped imaginary drops of
berspiration from his forehead.
"This suspense Is awful" he OBJ
served With hands clasped dramat-
fally he awaited the outcome.
The door opened \ giggle came
from the girl and Il groan from Cart
wright as the conductor returned.
bearing before him the pudding. still
unclaimed He dropped 1t into Cart
wright's hand.
"Sorry," ho chuckled, but there's
nobody on the train who will own to