Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-07-06
A TRAIN TO JOY,
After the Crash There Came a
Shock and a Surprise.
BY ANITA WENTWORTH.

BY ANITA WENTWORTH.
copyright, 1909. by Associated Literary
Press.l
Yes. she wore the blue and white
dress which had been her wedding
gown. much against Aunt Nykirk' 5
will, and the latter had said disagree
able things In consequence. even going
30 far as to prophesy that something
would happen.
But what could ''happen" Simply
nothing Was not this the old reliable
evening train, forever on time and
without hint Of hoodoo or any other
bloodcurdling thing In Its record?
OF course! Rose Engle settled the
question satisfactorily in her own
mind and from a multitude Of femi-
nine trinkets in her wrist bag fshed
out her ticket and waited complacent
ly for the conductor. BY and by, as
the "old reliable" rolled along, the
moon came up. revealing the land-
scape in picturesque panorama, and
the owner Of the blue and white
gown laughed at the prophecy. flatten-
ed her pretty nose against the dusty
pane and fell to enjoying the scenery.
Suddenly above the peaceful hum Of
the train rose demOniac shrleks from
two locomotives. The next moment n
terrific shock sent the passengers In
all directions.
Out from beneath the wreckage Of
the shattered northbound crawled n
half dozen men and women, one with
q cruel slash across the left cheek and
another with broken arm, while the
remaining four were only shaken
up"
Among the latter Rose Engle strug-
gled to her feet and stood. white and
trembling. endeavoring to grasp the
possibility of the "old reliable" max
ing such a departure.
While the others began the search
for their belongings or for friends less
lucky than themselves she stood still.
wondering whether 1t was the blue
and white gown or the wickedness of
her intention which fulfilled Aunt Ny
kinks prophecy.
Not since the "word from up north"
that Jack mad gone back to his old
habits and was actually Sowing his
earnings broadcast" had she taken
time for sober second thought. A year
ago. when she kissed him gOodby In
the low doorway before he went to
the Klondike, he had pledged himself
to continue in well doing, and she had
rested in his promise.
Often she entertained herself pictur-
ing the home hey planned to have on
his return, one with large, airy kitch-
ell, plenty Of sunshine and lots Of hap
pinesS.
But when the word" came she de-
cided that Jack Engle's wife was a
shamefully neglected woman, especial
ly as he had not written for months.
Then wild determination to be free
from the man who had gone back to
his old habits and didn't care seized
her, and-well. here she was on her
way to begin legal proceedings for a
separation and stranded and alone!
Aunt Nykirk's parting shot rang in
her ears as she clung to twisted Sec
ton of the vestibule.
"Id expect something to happen If
should start on such an errand, bank
ing only on hearsay and wearing my
wedding dress. Bless me! When folks
take the bit in their teeth and rush
headlong always think Of Jonah"
Shaky little Mrs. Engle cast horri.
fed glance down over the blue and
white gown, now stroked with dust
and CRIME and torn In several places.
Some one beckoned to her from the
farther end of the wreck. Why did she
stand there like dummy when people
needed help?
Away she went over broken ties and
around an overturned boiler from
which the steam hissed vindictively,
the blue and white gown fluttering in
the moonlight like flag Of truce.
All, there they were-a man prone
on the ground, and kneeling by his
side was physician with his open
medicine case.
"Stay by this poor fellow" said the
doctor as she came up, while go for
water" and he was gone.
In q few moments he returned and,
pouring something from vial into a
basin of water, gave 1t to her to hold
while he bathed the unconscious mans
face
She turned her head away. She
could not bear to look upon another
victim Of the headlOng-
"Too badw broke In the physician
on the self condemnation. 1T Is really
too bad! He was going home with
years hard earnings with which to
surprise his wife,
The slender hands trembled, and the
basin came near falling to the ground.
Jack could have saved, too, II he had
loved his wife. but he hadn't.
The doctor was so interested in his
patient that he did not notice her agi-
tation, so he followed his thoughts
Rudibly and continued: "Engle is fine
fellow. I'll warrant his wife is proud
of him"
a low, smothered cry startled the
man of medicine. and the basin fell to
the cinder parched sward, spllllng the
contents over the blue and white
gown.
"You must be braver than that" said
he sternly. "It may be that my friends
life depends on your quiet courage"
With desperate effort she refilled
the basin and resumed her position,
hut now her gaze was fixed on the up
turned face so familiar In every out
lire
1t depended on her. did It? Surely
this was the atoning hour! Heaven
heard Jonah in his extremity. Would
her petition Of agonized silence pre-.
vail?
AS II in answer the man to he proud
Of slowly opened his eyes and made an
attempt to rise.
"Ah, Jack. old boy. you're coming
around all rfghtp cried the doctor,
supporting him and giving him re-
viving draft.
After few minutes, when the other
grew stronger, the physician continued
In tender, kindly tone: II am glad l
was with you, seeing We were booked
for casualties Some one might have