Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-01-09
q Pudding In
Distress.
BY FANNIE MfDBURY PtNDlfTON.
Copyrighted. 1905. by Associated
Literary Press.


T. - ss:s i.ssfS.s'.s.s. .s.s'ssts'
Perhaps II was fate that belnted
Cartwright and caused him to rush
across the station platform just as
the last passenger climbed aboard the
train. II SO. then fate was materially
assisted by 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 halp.
oh" she cried breathlcssly. my
granddaughter has forgotten the
Christmas pudding. She's ON the
train. VIII you please give It TO her?
Her names on the wrapper"
Cartwright mechanically accepted
the pudding thus thrust upon him.
Promise to put II into her own
hands" pleaded the little old lady
anxiously.
Cartwright nodded as he clutcbed
himself up. AS the train swept around
the curve he caught n 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
"Shc 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
volumnous brown veil: then his eyes
fell TO the travelling pudding. and he
turned over the package to find the
name.
1t was written In Il fine. old fash
Toned hand and read. MARY Lang.
1919 Essex place"
A pucker appeared between his eyes
and babe fair to develop into n scowl
when he became conscious that the
gaze of the girl was fixed likewise
upon the package.
Pardon me-" he cried impulsively:
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 soul at the station where
got on-changed cars there and near
~ got left. Just rs | was making for
the train n lady requested me to deliv-
cr this Ii Is Il pudding, he explained
impressively, land from the evident
value set upon 1t by the maker | judge
that 1t Is Il good one and that my re.
sponsiblity 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. | did myself. but we had TO
hurry to catch the train, and didn't
notice my fellow passengers"
Tickets, please"
"Say. conductor" cried Cartwright
"can you tell me who got on ut Alton
Junction." and lie explained the prob
lem of the pudding.
The conductor grinned.
"rhere was the lady two seats
ahead. he answered, the one with
glasses
Cartwright inspected her with comic
dismay.
I'm shy man." he announced. "and
If 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
"You don't know even II she's grown
up, do you:" queried the girl, who had
become quite interested in the proceed
ings.
-'That's So" assented Cartwright rue
fully but | feel by the prieklng Of
III. tliuAhDo luul Sut > hOHitle 40 u
hedge fence. cross eyed and at least
fifty"
"rhat may not interfere with her APP
petite for plum pudding" suggested the
girl mirthfully. She had put back the
enyeloping brown yeil. and her dark
eyes gazed straight into Cartwright's.
II 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"
lie 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.