The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-04-21

but an instant to annex his travelling
cases and start them before him FOL
the train. Prone girded for the fray
was on the way. From the window
Of his taxicab 40 he passed the ONCE.
OF Meek Z Metz he saw Dobson.
conceited figure with padded shoul
ders and q large checked suit, make
hurried exit and hail q passing car
riaEe.
A chair car attached to Q fast trair
claimed the commercial gladiators
Dobson leered at his rival a. they
entered. They spoke. Prone smiled
in the face Of his SNUG opponent. He
figured that. should they finish the
race tied. his powers Of persuasion
would pull the order for his house
Dobson. too, believed in himself.
The men were seated opposite each
other. Both produced magazines and
oblivious to surroundings. interested
themselves in the contents.
Near the end Of an interesting story
and with his mind again on things
mundane. Frone became vaguely
aware Of delicate perfume-a scent
that gradually drew his eyes from the
book to the occupant Of the chair be-
side him. One look into great, blue
eyes and the owner Of them yelled
their limpid depths with long lashes
lightly brushing flushed cheeks. Frone
instinctivsly knew that his gaze had
been too ardent.
Cautiously he looked again. His
vis.a-vis was daintily gowned, slen-
der girl with the face and form Of q
wood fairy. Prone. generally imper-
vious to feminine charms. fell thrall
to her witchery. Her fluffy yellow
hair was arranged neatly and the hat
adorning was marvel of the MILL.
ner's art. Prone felt that his model
woman was before him. And still!
How was he to become acquainted
with her? II she responded to a flir-
tation she fell below his ideal-and
there was no other way.
The travelling man thumbed his
magazine absently. Az he did SO his
eyes came in contact with those of his
forgotten rival.
There was complacent leer on the
face Of Dobson that brought an an
swering flush to his own. The Meek.
Metz bagman's deductions were ant to
be wrong.
A dainty hand touched the arm Of
the disturbed traveller. do you
know" asked sweet contralto voice,
whether we stop at any stations near
here SO that can send a telegram"
Prone, who knew the road like q
book. turned eagerly to the girl with
the great eyes and answered joyously.
The wonderful innocence of the girl
was q material fact and assured him
that this was no palpable train at
tempt to become acquainted. Frone
knew of town close by where one
who was fleet would have time to
send the message and begged, to do
1t for her.
After maidenly hesitation his re-
quest was granted.
This sufficed for an introduction.
Once. Frone thought it was peculiar
that the girl had not sought informa-
ton from the porter. but another
glance into the deep pools Of her eyes
told him that the thought was un.
worthy. Across the aisle Dobson
stared at them. his own eyes cunning.
Frone. in the interested moments
which followed. forgot him.
The good looking salesman for Sim.
mons & Taer was delighted to lind
that the maid was for the same des-
tination az himself. She was bright
and entertaining. They seemed to be
mutually pleased with each other.
Il wanted to know you the moment
! saw you" confessed Prone frankly.
IL thought you did," shyly an.
swered the girl. "and that reminds me
that We do not know each others
names. Az Prone started to speak she
interrupted. Don't spoil it ALL" she
protested. petulantly. Lets Just go
on as we are. We will never meet
again. anyway" she finished cheer.
fully.
"of course. II you don't want to
know my name" reproved Prone.
Il DON'T" frankly acknowledged the
girl: then. to relieve the sting, "names
are an impediment to romance. OF
course. If. afterwards. we shall meet
formally"
If" came dismally from the tray.
cling man.
Stranger things have happened"
said the girl hopefully. From acros.
the aisle Dobson smiled knowingly
into the face of Prone az he turned
morosely away.
The hours passed delightfully."-. The
girl lunched with her train companion.
and even the dull waiter seemed to
appreciate the beauty and dainty vi.
vactousness Of her. The man at the
next table scanned his card. amused.
It was Dobson.
In the late afternoon the train
creaked YEARLY into the dingy station
at Williamsburg. Prone regretted the
arrival. To him 1t meant the end Of 4
pretty adventure. He looked at tho