El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-02-24
The Herald's
Daily Shsrt Story
Accidents VIII Happen

murmured ecstatically. What bit OF
luck my catching that train. 1 wonder
if she always goes up by 1t
The matter which was occupying his
mind may seem trifiing one; but MT
Singleton was very impressionabie Tne
golden haired woman on the platform
had simply dropped her umbrella, ano
thanked him for restoring IT.
I'll take the 9;03 tomorrow as well.
he declared fatuously- by George! The
way she smiled.'
Meanwhile George Bowden having
minutes for breakfast was congratu-
lating himself cheerfully.
On the following morning, Mr. Sin
gleton decided that, for various rea-
sons, il would be much the wiser
course to traFel by the $40.
He missed it, however Dashing down
the stairs he stumbled against a sec
ond laggard. One dropped his stick the
other his paper BIfndly they picked
up their property and hurried on, only
to find the barrier shut Then they
turned towards one another for the
first time.
"Youl said Mr.. Singleton warmly.
You" Returned Mr. Bowden, with
equal heat.
You're always getting in someone's
way, apparently"
And what about you"
Together, a minute later, they pass
| ed on to the empty platform; but each
showed a curious reluctance for fur
! Their conversation.
| About that accident the other morn
| ing" began Mr.. Singleton awkwardly,
at last.
/ ~Oh-er-yes. When you ran me
down with your bicycle"
when you knocked me off," Mr..
/ Singleton corrected him. We'll 1--we
seen trying to find you ever since
Il suppose So" agreed ETr. Bowden.
II haver' Mr.. Singleton protested
| 'Indeed?"
| Yes; it's quite true"
| We'll, now, here 1 am; and what do
! you propose to do about it?''
Il don't quite know-haven't de-
! cided'' Mr. Singleton stammered.
at seems to me that the fairest way
would be-
IF you are going to claim compen-
sation-"
In his sudden surprise and relief Mr.
/ Bowden opened his mouth wide and
stared. Then with an effort he frown-
ed heavily.
YES. Er-yes! That's just what I
am going TO do" he said sternly. Ny
hat was ruinedt'
Well, my bicycle
my best hat it was" added Mr..
! bOWQen 1 TOOK IT u d SdAOPs
but the man said he couldn't even make
ii look passible-"
TIN sorry.''
That's all very fine" Mr. Bowden
retorted, depressing delighted smile
with difficulty. You didn't ring your
bell did you? Very well, then, don't
you know the law about cycling and
the-er-rules of the road? You'd be
liable for damages
Mr.. Singleton writhed.
Where are your witnesses. though?
Er-here's the S:52 signalled."
Never mind the 1872. I don't care IL
1 miss it." Mr.. Bowden was enjoying
his unexpected triumph. You ought tc
buy me new hat"
By this time other passengers were
interested in the conversation and un-
ostentatiously edged nearer
'Nonsensei" returned Mr. Singleton
desperately. raising his voice. II re-
fusel You can claim in the-In the
county court. or wherever it is, if yos
like. I'll get up and explain to the
magistrate exactly how"
He broke off as he noticed that Mr.
Bowdens satisfied look had quite dis
appeared.
ooh, well-er-I dare say it can be
settled in a quiet, friendly way, with
, out troubling to
: You're backing out, commented Mr.
Singleton exultantly.
Here comes the train"
) He turned aside, but Mr. Singleton
seized his arm.
You didn't want to catch it JUS
; now. You walt here! Try to bluff me