The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1911-01-31

tectingly beside her.
You are going alone-tonight?"
asked the man little sharply.
1T seems necessary, and l am per-
fectly safe," she answered. with a
calmness she was far from feeling
Necessary? Well, shall at least
put you safely in your train. Comet"
She followed meekly. 1t was a new
experience to have her baggage at
tended to as II by magic, and to be
looked after In this high-handed
manner. 1t was several minutes be-
fore she realized that he was still sit
ting beside her and that the train was
moving rapidly.
At her look of astonishment, he
smiled reassuringly, and covered her
hand protectingly with his own.
Did you think ought to let you go
| like this? l SILL have a great deal to
say to you. l am going to sit here
quietly. and l want you to think 1t all
over honestly and fairly to both OF
US; then we will talk about it,"
Suddenly the maid felt her reso-
luton weakening She was tired of
taking the lead in everything. and
this feeling of being cared for
brought such peace and happiness
She wanted with all her heart to be
loved. She was tired of the war she
was waging against her feelings for
this man, who could be so charming
even while SO undeserving. But the
mother and the sister, who depended
upon her SO completely!
Don't you think" said the man as
If in answer to her thoughts, that
it is time they began doing some
thing for themselves? We need each
other, dear, you cannot deny it, and
they will be really better and strong
err If left to their own resources.
Look at me-"
She raised her eyes breathlessly,
but the tenderness in his face
changed to look of horror as the
car careened with grinding sound;
then the lights went out, leaving
them in a terrible darkness. Through
the frightened moments that fol-
lowed, filled with the splintering and
crashing of wood and glass, and the
hoarse, agonized cries of the pas
sengers, the maid was conscious only
of the protecting arm about her and
the words of encouragement SO
quietly spoken.
A blast of damp night air against
her face revived her; the man was
leaving her gently on grassy bank.
you will be safe here, dear" he
said hastily. "Stay here so I can
find you. must go back!" He
kissed her tenderly, and was swal-
lowed up In the horrible scene.
"Oh, he isn't selflsh-he Is brave
and generous and good" she sobbed,
alone in an agony of waiting. She
strained her eyes for a sight of him
in the medley below her, but could
see only the limp forms being borne
out by the black, hurrying figures.
After what seemed hours of pain
full waiting, she saw him coming up
the bank to her again. He sank down
YEARLY.
Thank God they are all safely
out" he said, quietly, "and not many
hurt beyond a general scare and
shaking up; we got the fire out, too
by a miracle. The relief train will
soon be here, now. You are all right
you are not hurt?" he asked, turn.
ing to her suddenly.
"No-no!" she answered impa
tiently. land your"
"Why, I'm all right, child"
She looked at him closely at his
smoke-stained face and torn cloth
ing, and the ugly red burns on his
grimy hands. And suddenly she sank
in sobbing abandon in the grass
WIKI joyous comprehension. the
man drew her into his arms.
When the incompetent mother and
sister arrived at their home station
they were met by strange boy direct
ing them to the leading hotel; and
their bewilderment changed to impa
tience at sight of the radiant maid
who met them In a pleasant private
parlor.
You we're not hurt in the wreck
asked the mother casually, thinking
, Of her own discomfort and this un
necessary delay. Then why do We
, not go home? Is everything ready fol-
our reception?"
, Il phoned Ellen to prepare for you,
J | think everything will be all right
have not been to the house my
self"
) Not been to the house. What hav,
you been doing, pray?" cried tn,
mother In high dungeon.
Caring for my husband, who wa.
! rathex badly burned rescuing people
: from the wreck. You know" adde,
3 the maid holding the door open TO
e them, with a new and disconcertin,
Morning!"
!, The Ink Plant.
I The ink of everyday life may b,