Bridgeton pioneer., 1909-02-04
Pudding I'm
Distress.
By FANNIE MEDBURY PENDlETON.
Copyrighted, 1903, by Associated
Literary Press,

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Perhaps it was fate that belated
Cartwright and caused him to rush
across the station platform just as
Che last passenger climbed aboard the
train. If SO, then fate was materially
assisted by a little old lady over
whom he nearly stumb&d 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! 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 it into her own
hands," pleaded the little old lady
anXiousIy.
Cartwright nodded as he clutched
the railing Of the last car and pulled
himself up. AS the train swept around
the curve he caught a last glimpse of
her face. Her eyes were fixed upon
the package under his arm.
Il actually believe she thinks want
her old pudding" grinned Cartwright
'tShe doesn't trust me-"
The train, which was the last local
Tor the city, was crowded with would
be shoppers, with homegoers and
guests bound cityward. Every seat
was occupied. At last Cartwright
found place beside a 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
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 a fine, old fash
foned hand and read, MARY Lang,
1019 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 impulsively;
S.you don't happen to be Miss Mary
Lang. do you?'
The girl turned a very pretty and
astonished face toward him.
aKou see," he continued eagerly, 81
don't know soul at the station where
got Unchanged cars there and near
gy got left Just as l was making for
Ghe train lady requested me to deliv
er this. 1t is pudding" he explained
i limpressively, "and from the evident
value set upon it by the maker l judge
that it Is a good one and that my re-
Spons1bility is vast"
There was responsive twinkle in
the girls eye.
"Sorry I can't help you out" she
said. ''Why not ask the conductor:
He will know who got on at that sta
ton. I did myself, but we had to
hurry 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
hem of the pudding.
The conductor grinned.
s'There was the lady two sea is
ahead" he answered, "the one with
glasses"
Cartwright inspected her with comic
s5ismay.
"I'm shy man." he announced, land
III it be she perhaps you had better
tackle her, conductor. don't want the
job"
''Well, there's the fat lady in the yell
low waist with buttons, and the girl
In the front seat, and the family just
behind, and''-
''eYou don't know even If she's grown
up, do your" queried the girl, who had
become quite interested in the proceed
dngs.
-'That's so," assented Cartwright rue
1uny. ''But 1 feel by the pricking of
my thumbs that she's homely as a
hedge fence, cross eyed and at least
Fifty"
1IldC uldy uOL AuIcIIclC Will ucI dp-
petite for plum pudding" suggested the
girl mirthfully. She had put back th>
enveloping brown veil, and her dark
eyes gazed straight into Cartwright's.
al wish you were Mary Lang" he
said, with decision.
"sI'm very well satisfied as l am" she
answered. dropping her eyes demurely
The conductor had returned.
~'Lcud me the precious pudding" he
suggested. "Guess 1 can help you
out
He walked to the front Of the car
and fl ed about.
els here lady in this car by the
name Of Mary Lang?" he shouted above
the roar of the train.
There was much turning of heads,
Eot no response. The conductor dis
appeared into the car ahead, while
Cartwright wiped imaginary drops of
PRESENTATION from his forehead.