The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-08-24

rltaDle. The thought or what tho
loss Of the notes meant was fast
crowding the murder to tha back Of
my mind. The forced inaction was
intolerable. The porter had reported
no bag answering the description Of
mine on the train. but l was disposed
to make my own investigation. made
a tour of the cars. scrutinizing every
variety of hand luggage. ranging from
luxurious English bags with gold
mountings to the wicker nondescript
OF the day coach at the rear. was
not alone in my quest. for the girl in
blue was just ahead Of me. Car by
car she preceded me through the train.
unconscious that l was behind her.
looking at each passenger as she
passed. I fancied the proceeding was
distasteful. but that she had determin-
ed on a course and was carrying II
through. We reached the end of the
train almost together-empty-han
both of us.
The girl went out to the platform.
When she saw me she moved aside.
and I stepped out beside her. Behind
us the track curved sharply: the early
sunshine threw the train. in long black
shadow. over the hot earth. Forward
somewhere they were hammering.
The girl said nothing. but her profile
was strained and anxious.
If you have lost anything" !
began. Il wish you would let me try to
help. Not that my own success Is any
thing to boast Of
She hardly glanced at me. It was
not fiattering.
Il have not been robbed. II that Is
what you mean," she replied quietly.
Il am-perplexed. That Is ALL"
There was nothing to say to that.
lifted my hattie other fellows
hat-and turned to 60 back to my car.
Two or three members Of the train
crew. including the conductor. were
standing in the shadow talking. And
at that moment, from a farmhouse
near came the swift clang Of the
breakfast bell. calling in the hands
from barn and pasture. l turned back
to the girl.
We may be here for an hour" l
said. land there is no buffet car on.
II I remember my youth, that bell
means ham and eggs and country but
ter and coffee. II you care to run
the risk"
Il am not hungry" she said. but
perhaps a cup Of co6ee-dear me.
believe I am hungry" she finished.
Only" She glanced back Of her.
Il can bring your companion" I sus-
gested, without enthusiasm. But the
young woman shook her head.
She is not hungry" she objected.
land she is very-well. know she
wouldn't come. Do you suppose We
could make it II We rum"
Il haven't any idea." said cheer
fully. ANY old train would be better
than this one. II it does leave US be-
hind"
Yes. Any train would be better
than this one." she repeated gravely.
I found myself watching her changing
I had spoken two dozen
words to her and already felt that
I knew the lights and shades In her
voice., who had always known how
a woman rode to hounds. and who
never could have told the color Of
her hair.
l stepped down on the ties and
turned to assist her. and together We
walked back to where the conductor
and the porter from our car were In
close conversation. Instinctively my
hand went to my cigarette pocket and
came out empty. She saw the ges-
ture.
If you want to smoke, you may"
she said. Il have a big cousin who
all the time. He says l am
kippered.'
drew out the gun-metal cigarette
case and opened it. But this most