The Randall County news. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1908-1926, 1910-01-21

While
Waiting
"A Chance MsefinS and
Ohot Happened Be-
StVesn Tr0ias.
BY SARA G. ICLEHEART
Copyright. 1909. by American Press

BY SARA G. ICLEHEART
Copyright, 1909. by American Press
Association.

as he looked doubtfully at the ticket
"Can l make it in that time?"
"Yes." and the agent pushed som
change through the window and wait
ed expectantly for the next man in tn
line, I'VE make close connections. LEI
minutes stop at Columbia and twent.
at Charlotte for dinner. Jacksonville
Nineteen" And Bates felt himsel
pushed unceremoniously aside by ,
portiy man. who was eager to ex
change banknote for the ticket whicl
was being stamped.
That's your train on the outside
track" the agent called warningly
Better hurry"
AS this advice was accentuated by 9
sharp All aboard" and rush of 9
few belated passengers toward the
outside track. Bates snatched up his
hand bag and sprang forward.
"Whew. that was certainly close
connection be said grimly as he
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. and that will mean thousand
dollars in my pocket. Lucky thought
of it."
The parlor car was full, so Bates
went on until he found a seat with a
loquacious insistent hotel runner. Just
across was a 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 off the advances of the hotel
runner.
The train rushed on with the vehe
ment noisy impetuosity peculiar 10
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 handkerchefs and i'm
patient EXPLANATIONS from the passen.
gers and swirling now and then into
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 q forced defense of politics
and at Charlotte was glad to leave his
companion and join the rush toward
the railroad restaurant. AS general
thing he avoided such places There
were apt TO be poor food and service
and not infrequently one was served
so late that he could only snatch few
mouthfus before it was time to hurry
for the train.
But here he was agreeably disap-
pointed. and when he went to the desk
near the door TO leave his % cents 1t
was with feeling of satisfaction ar
not having been imposed upon. Out
side he looked ut his watch. 1t 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 10 face with the woman
who sat opposite him in the car For
a 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"
Yes. 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 urriedly-"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 postotlice
the last | new. and Bob
There was Il significant movement
across the platform. and Bates glanc-
ed at his watch.
It's time to get on board"' he ex-
claimed. We'll finish our talk in the
car"
But the woman drew back.
This isn't my train" she said. II
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. Il
came south ten years ago in search Of
work and have been teaching school
eve. since. You'll miss your train"
1t was already gliding down the plat
form. but he neither noticed 1t nor her
warning. In his eyes was an express
sion of incredulous inquiry.
isn't Bob Bates
She motioned toward the train.
You'll miss it, she cried again:
then her hand dropped to her side.
"Thera. IL is too late, Was IL very