Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1912-09-19

lob" The COndustOr swelled his chest
a little at that. and Marjorie felt that
he was already hers. She hammered
the weak spot I'm his armor:
Responsible! | should say II is
Mr. Mallory is soldier. but soldiers
are such ferocious, destructive peo-
pie. while conductors save lives, and
If | were only a man ! think II
would be my greatest ambition to be
a conductor-especially ON an over
land express"
The conductor told the truth when
he confessed: We'll. never heard
it put Just that way" Then he spoke
with little more pride, hoping to in
crease the impression he felt he was
making: The main thing. OF course,
is to get my train through on Time!"
This was a facer lie was going to
get his train through On Time Just
to oblige Marjorie. She stammered:
Il don't suppose the train. by any
Ogdcn?"
Not II can help It," the hero
averred. TO reassure her.
Il wish it would" Marjorie muir.
INJURED
The conductor looked at her in sur
prise: Why, what's it TO your" she
turned her eyes on him at full candle
power, and smiled:
oh. just wanted to do a little
shopping there"
shopping, While the train waits!
Excuse met"
You see" Marjorie fluttered, by a
sad mistake my baggage isn't on the
really need to buy some-some things
very badly. It's awfully embarrassing
TO be without them"
Il can imagine" the conductor
mumbled. why don't you and your
husband drop off and take the next
train?"
My husb-Mr. Mallory has to be
in San Francisco by tomorrow night
lie just has tot"
so have l."
But to oblige me? To save me
from distress-don't you think you
COuld?" Like a sweet little child she
twisted one OF the brass buttons on
his coat sleeve, and wheedled: Don't
you think you might hold the train
just little tiny half hour?"
He was sorry, but he didn't see how
he could. Then she took his breath
away again. by asking, out OF a clear
sky: Are you married?"
lie was as awkward as IL she had
proposed 10 him. she answered for
him: "Oh, but of course you are. The
women wouldn't let a big, handsome
noble brave giant like you escape
long" He mopped his brow in agony,
as she went on: I'm sure you're a
very chivalrous man. I'm sure you
would give your life TO rescue a
maiden in distress. Well. here's your
chance. Won't you please hold the
train?"
She actually had her cheek almost
against his shoulder. though she had
to poise atiptoe to reach him. Nal
lorys dismay was changing to boil
ing rage, and the conductor was a
pitiable combination OF Saint Anthony
and Tantalus. I'D love to oblige
you" he mumbled, but it would be as
much as my jobs worth"
How much is that?" Marjorie
asked, and added reassuringly. IF
you lost your Job I'm sure my father
would get you a better one"
Maybe" said the conductor, but
got this one"
Then his rolling eyes caught sight
Of the supposed husband gesticulating
wildly and evidently clearing for &C
ton. He warned Marjorie: Say, your
| husband is motioning at you"
Don't mind him." Marjorie urged,
| "just listen to me. | tmplore you.
/" Seeing that he was still resist
| ing she played her last card, and,
| crying, "Oh, you can't resist my pray
ers so cruelty" she threw her arms
around his neck, sobbing, do you
want to break my hearth
Mallory rushed into the scene and
| the conductor. tearing Marjories arms
loose, retreated, gasping, mo! and
| don't want your husband to break my
head"
Mallory dragged Marjorie away, but
she shook her little fist at the con
ductor, crying: DO you refuse? do
you dare refuse?"
I've got to-" the conductor abject'
ly insisted
Marjorie blazed with fury and the
! siren became q Scylla. Then I'll see
that my father gets you discharged
| II you dare TO speak to me again, I'll
| order my husband TO throw you on
this train. To think of being refused
a simple little favor by mere con-
ductor! OF a stupid old emigrant
train!. OF all things!!!"
Then she hurled herself into chair
and pounded her heels on the floor
in a tantrum that paralyzed Mallory
Even the conductor tapped him on the
shoulder and sad: you have my sym.
patty"
ITO BE CONTINUED