Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-01-15
BY SARA c. iGLEHEART

Yes. ana the agent pushed some
change through the window and wait.
ed expecfantly for the next man In the
line. I'VE make close connections. Ten
minutes stop at Columbia and twenty
1T Charlotte for dinner Jacksonyillei
Nineteen. Aud Bates felt himself
pushed unceremoniously aside by a
portly mun. who was eager 10 ex.
change 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 accentunted by O
sharp IAN aboard aud rush OF q
few belated passengers toward the
outside track. Bates snatched up his
hand bag aud sprang forward.
"whew. that was certainly a close
connection" he said grimly as be
swung himself on the rear car OF the
moving train. IF keep on at this
rate I'll get through In time for the
sale. aud that will mean thousand
dollars In my pocket. Lucky | thought
OF it,
The parlor car was full. so Bates
went ON until he found seat with a
louuacious insistent hotel runner. just
across was n bright looking woman In
a plain travelling suit. and he glanced
at her with sudden. half recognizing
inquiry.
But traveller is always running
across faces that look familiar. and
his attention was soon engrossed in
wardlng on the advances of the hotel
runner.
The train rushed on with the vehe-
ment. noisy impetuosity peculiar to
southern trains. as though striving 10
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 handkercbiefs and i'm.
patient Explanations from the passen-
gers and swirling now aud then into
angry clouds nj 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
aud NJ Charlotte was glad to leave his
companion and join the rush toward
sha rotlrnod raetaurnnf A. a rauarai
thing he avoided such places. There
were apt TO be poor food and service.
aud not infrcquently one was served
so late that ne could only snatch few
mouthfuls before II was time 10 hurry
for the train.
But here he was agreeably disap-
pointed. and when he went 10 the desk
near the door TO leave his 10 cents IL
was with feeling OF satisfaction at
not having been imposed upon. Out
side be looked AT his watch. II still
lacked five 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 eazed squarely into
each others eyes. then both started
forward
Aren't you Charlie Holbrook?'' the
woman asked eagerly. Il thought
knew you on the train"
'ies. and you are. or was. Alice
purfee." Bates said. no less eagerly.
My. hut I'm glad 10 meet you. Let
nae see. lis eighteen years since | left
the old village. and haven't seen
soul from there since. How are they
ail--yonr mother. and Henry Taber.
and my cousin. Rob Bates: Bob's
the emily Kin have. but he and never
did get on well together. Oh. | beg
your pardon hurriediy-'.l 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 postoilice
the last knew. and hob
There was significant movement
across the platform. aud Bates glanc.
ed M his watch.
" tlnit W XII ON uodfu. ut IA
claimed We'll finish our talk In the
car"
But the woman drew back.
"'rhis isn't my train" she said. Il
wait here two hours
Really" with sudden dismay In his
voice. why. ! was counting on a
good long talk. Is Bob-your husband
-along:"
She looked surprised.
IL don't know what you mean" she
answered. Il have never married. |
came south ten years ago IN search OF
work and have been teaehlng school
ever since. You'll miss your train"
II was already gliding down the plat.
form. but he neither noticed II nor her
warning. In his eyes WAS an express
sion of incredulous inquiry.
isn't Bob Bates
She motiined toward the train.
you'll miss g." she cried again:
then her hand dropped TO her side.
There: II Is too late. Was II very
importantly" nnxiously.
'Ycs-no- That Is. guess So" he an
a...ne..I fu1taaNnuelrs "a ehAnaan.e tat.