Smyrna times., 1909-01-27
d Matter Of
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.
Copyrighted 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.

the valley, grunted up the steep in
cliIe and came to a standstiH before
the ramshackle little station. It paus-
ed while two passengers alighted, and
then it hurried off, as if it was glad to
get away from such an insignificant
stopping place.
Elsie Lansing accepted her leather
bag from the taciturn station agent.
who at the same time pushed a suit
case toward the other traveller, a tall
young man buttoned up in a gray ul-
ster.
stage here for Greentop?" queried
the latter, picking up his grip.
"NOt this dayr returned the agent
grimly. Jim Laidlaw, he seems to
think Saturdays made special SOS he
can git a little drunker'n usual! If
you amt expected, you'll have TO
walk" With which remark he slam
med the station door and turned the
key.
LET me see-it's twelve miles to
Greentop, isn't it?' asked the stranger
thoughtfully.
Twelve and half. Straight road
ahead" The agent tramped away
across the platform and disappeared
inside a small cottage perched on the
high bank above the tracks.
Elsie Lansing looked dubiously at
the frozen road stretching away be-
tween pine clad heights. family touch
ed with the early morning sun. She
had Travelled all night and had tele-
graphed for her newly acquired broth
er-in-law to meet her.
There was no sign of the v'hite mo
tor car which had been part of the
bridal equipment and which was to
speed her to the Eyrie In the Green
mountains, away from civilization and
it's attendant comforts.
IF you are going to Greentop. per-
NIT me to carry your bag" said the
young man. lifting his hat. 1T is a
stiff walk, but perhaps il will stimu-
late an appetite for dinner
'YOn are very gOOd,' replied Elsie
pleasantly, but my bag is not heavy.
and / can easily carry it myself
Without further conversation they
left the station and made their way
along the road in the shadow of the
pines.
1t Was "a crisp day, with a tang OF
early winter in the breath of the north
wind. 1t was an invigorating day, with
its strong scent of pine and balsOm. the
rattle OF crisp, dry cones and the sweet
purity of mountain air.
The stranger walked on ahead with
long, swinging strides Ills head was
bent thOughtfully, and il was quite evi-
dent that he had forgotten the girl.
who was struggling to keep pace with
him. Suddenly he turned and per
ccived her.
Il must ask your pardoni" he cried
| cOmmiseratively. Il fOrgot-that is, !
did not realize how fast / was walk
ing. Let me take your bag. You are
very tired
| lie took 1t from her unreSisting hand
and looked down at the delicate cheek
/ palcr by contrast of the fringing dark
lashes.
Il hope it isn't much farther" she
/ admitted Tuefully. Il have been i'll,
/ and my strength is tickle"
He stopped and looked about him.
! They had come to a slight opening in
! the forest. where the sun streamed
over fallen tree trunks and gIinted on
| the surface OF tiny brook that wound
| it's way across the road
I'VE will rest here" he said with a
note Of authority in his voice. I'll is
| a good deal farther. We have come
perhaps three miles. If you will let
me take you back to the station l Will
return to GreentOp and procure a COZ
veyance of some sort
NO" she objected, sinking wearfly
on to a fallen log. Il will be rested
presently. You see, l didn't eat any
! breakfast, and
mo breakfastr, he echoed blankly.
Il don't wonder you ane tired Wait a
minute, pleaser' He knelt down before
his suit case and unlocked it.. From its
depths Of masculine apparel he brought
! forth a small alcohol stove. bottle Of
the necessary liquid and small tin Of
4
beef extract.
Elsie watched him with amused in
terest With deft fingers he filed and
lighted the lamp and opened the tin of
extract. Il wonder if he is a drum
mer and is demonstrating some of his
waresw
But there was something in the
mans thin. intellectual face, with its
| nearsighted blue eyes behind thick
! glasses. that belied her estimate. There
was a vague familiarity about his
movements that puzzled her.
Here" he said, approaching her
with a small silver drinking cup.
"drink this. please"
"You are very kind indeed" she
said gratefully. slipping the hot liquid.
81 am afraid | am depriving you Of
your luncheon"
| He threw back his head and laughed