The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1911-08-10

yOungster knew she was going aWtty
for her last year of schooling, and he.
had come to the train for the final
parting. The meeting was pretended
surprise. The father said: Going on
this train? If you are l would like t"
have you keep an eye on my little
girl" On the impulse the young-ter
replied, Yes, and it will give me great
pleasure to take care Of herr He
boarded the train with some loose
change in his pocket and nothing
more.
Such is a brief statement of the
antecedents Of very interesting
young couple who pulled out of the
station on an express train that did
not make it's first stop for an hour
II didn't know you were going"
said the girl, with happy smile.
Il didn't intend to; III have to Dor
row from you to pay my fare"
Good gracious! Papa forgot to give
me money or the ticket"
"You haven't a ticket?'
mo-"
"Well, here's pretty how de do
Soon after the train started the cor
ductor came through slowly, taking
tickets. The young man arose and,
putting his lips close to the conductors
ear, whispered:
See here. I've left my money at
home and haven't anything to pay fare
with. Pass US on and III pay up at
the end Of the journey"
Runaway coupler"
Here was a chance for sympathy.
"Yes," was the reply.
The conductor passed on and when
he had gone through the train came
back and asked the young man what
he proposed to do. Unfortunately the
lover was unable to satisfy him.
II don't see what can do for you,'
said the conductor. "Pm afraid III
have to put you off,
The protestations and appeals of the
young couple attracted the attention
and the sympathy of the passengers
Several of them gathered round the
conductor to get information concern
ing the matter. They were told,
among other things, that the young
! couple were clippers. That at once
| won the hearts of the inquirers- All
| the world loves a lover, and a gentle
man after inquiring as to the price OF
the tickets needed took out a five dOE
lar bill and asked If any other gentle
man would match it for the benefit OF
the youngsters. 1t was duplicated at
once, and their fare was paid and the
problem solved.
Then the young man asked for the
addresses of those who had put up the
money that he might return the loan.
mo loan at ALL" said one of the
lenders, "a wedding gift. Wasn't that
your intention?" looking at the man
who had advanced the other half.
Certainly it was, and here's an
other flyer for the parson. My advice
to the young people is to get spliced
at once. They will probably be inter
.cepted at the end of the route. Got
clergyman aboard, conductor"
The suggestion Of a wedding cap
:tivated the passengers. Several men
went through the cars calling for a
parson, and one was found
"What's wantedY' he asked, joining
those near the young couple.
'"These two wish to be married."
said one
'"Tie 'em up quick" said another.
''They may be overhauled at the first
STOP"
do you wish to be married?" asked
the minister.
"Y-e-s," faltered the young man.
No. cried the girl, blushing GRIM
! son.
mo always means yes with q
! woman sang out a voice behind the
couple.
"Stand up" said the parson.
II WON'T" cried the girl. This is
awful
Her lover whispered something in
her ear. She blushed deeper than ever
and covered her face with her hands.
AGive her time" She'll be all right
In few minutes" Don't hurry her."
and such brief suggestions were made
by the lookers-on.
! Then the young man whispered
again. 1--WE can't get out of this any
other way. We can keep it secret
till you have finished school,"
Taking her hand, he pulled her on
to her feet. A lady furnished plain
gold ring, and the clergyman began the
marriage service, got a sonorous yes
from the groom, whispered one from
! the bride, and it was all over.
Then the passengers insisted on the
bride and groom standing at one end
Of the car to receive congratulations.
They were impelled to do so, and
carload Of people passed in review.
+, At the end of the term the girl re-
turned from school and made con-
fession. After family conference It
was decided to announce the marriage
as having taken place on the dsy the
pair went travelling together.