Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-03-11
While
Waiting
A Chance MssffnS and
tOboF Happened Be
ftOesn Trains.
BY SARA G. IGLEHEART
Copyright. 1909. by American Press
Association.


Two days limit" said Willis Bates
as he looked doubtfully at the ticket
"Can make It in that time"
Yes" and the agent pushed some
change through the window and wait
ed expectantly for the next man In -
line. I'VE make close connections. Ten
minutes stop at Columbia and twenty
at Charlotte for dinner. Jacksonville2
Nineteen" And Bates felt himself
pushed unceremoniously aside by q
portly man. who was eager to ex-
change n banknote for the ticket which
was being stamped.
That's your train on the outside
track" the agent called warningly.
Better hurry"
AS this advice was accumulated by a
sharp IAN aboardr' and a rush Of
few belated passengers toward the
outside track. Bates snatched up his
hand bag and sprang forward
"Whew, that was certainly a close
connecticut" he said grlmly as he
swung himself OH the rear car Of the
moving train III | keep on at this
rate ri get through In time for the
sale. and that will mean a thousand
dollars In my pocket, Lucky thought
OF it."
The parlor car was full, so Bates
went on until he found a seat with
loquacious. lnsistent hotel runner Just
across was bright looking woman In
a plain travelling suit, and he glanced
at her with sudden. half recognizing
inquiry.
But a traveller is always running
across faces that look familiar, and
his attention was soon engrossed In
warding of the advances OF the hotel
runner.
The train rushed on with the vehe-
ment, noisy impetuoslty peculiar to
southern trains, as though striving to
give an impression Of terrific speed,
and the fine South Carolina dust sifted
IN through the windows and spread
thickly over the dingy plush seats,
calling forth handkerchief and i'm
patient ordinations from the passen-
gers and swirling now and then into
angry clouds at the feeble onslaught
OF the train boys broom.
Once he noticed the woman OF the
opposite seat looking at him inquir-
ingly. as though she, too. was trying
to recall something familiar. But
when he turned to her she was gazing
from the window.
At Columbia he spent the ten min
utes In forced defense Of politics
and at Charlotte was glad to leave his
companion and join the rush toward
the railroad restaurant. AS a general
thing he avoided such places There
were apt to be poor food and service,
and not lnfrequently one was served
SO late that he could only snatch few
mouthfuls before = was time to hurry
for the train.
But here he was agreeably dlsap-
pointed, and when he went TO the desk
near the door to leave his IS cents II
was with a feeling Of satisfaction at
not having been imposed upon. Out
side he looked at his watch. II still
lacked ave minutes Of train time, so
he walked leisurely down the plat
form.
AS he turned to come back he found
himself face to face with the woman
who sat opposite him In the car. For
moment they gazed squarely into
each others eyes. then both started
forward
Aren't you Charlie Holbrook the
woman asked eagerly. II thought I
knew you on the train"
Eyes. and you are. or was. Alice
Durfee," Bates said. no less eagerly.
my. but I'm glad to meet you. Let
me see, It's eighteen years since left
the old village. and ! haven't seen a
soul from there since. How are they
all-your mother. and Henry Taber.
and my cousin. Bob Bates? Bob's
the only kin | have. but he and never
did get on well together. Oh. | beg
your pardon"- hurriedly-"I forgot"
my mother died ten years ago" she
answered steadily After that came
south and have only been back once
since. Henry Taber had the postofiice
the last | knew. and Bob
There was significant movement
across the platform. aud Bates glanc.
ed at his watch.
ITS time TO get on boardw he eX-
claimed Wen finish our talk In the
car"
But the woman drew back.
This isn't my train" she said ~
wait here two hours"
"Reallyw with sudden dIsmay 10 his
voice. why. was counting on
good long talk. Is Bob-your husband
along"
She looked surprised.
IL don't know what you mean" she
answered. II have never married.
came south ten years ago In search Of
work and have been teaching school
ever since. You'll miss your train
1t was already gliding down the plat
form. but he neither noticed II nor her
warning. In his eyes was an expires.
sion Of incredulous inquiry
"Isn't Bob Bates
She motioned toward the train.
you'll miss itr she cried again;
then her hand dropped to her side
There; II is too late!' Was 1t very
importantT' anxiously.
"Yes-no-that is. | guess So" he an
swered indlfferently, "a thousand dol
lars. ! believe"
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