The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-07-17

Drazen mlmicry, yet how like. She
went forward AS the shyest young
thlng IN the world, pursed her lips in
10 an ecstatic simper, and began on
the unsuspecting Official:
Isn't the country perfectly"
Yes, but I'm getting used to it,
the conductor grOwled, without look
ing up.
His curt indifference jolted Mar.
Jorie trifle, but she rallied her forces.
and came back witch: How long do
We stop at Ogden?"
Five minutes" very bluntly.
Marjorie poured maple syrup on her
tone, as she purred: This train of
yours is an awfully fast train. isn't
it?"
Sort Of" said the conductor, with
just trace OF thaw What followed
made him hold his breath, for the
outrageous little hussy was actually
saying: THE company must have a
great deal of confidence IN you to en-.
trust the lives and welfare of so many
people to your presence of mind and
courage"
well, of course, | can't say as to
that" Even Mallory could see that
the mans reserve was melting fast as
Marjorie went on with relentless
treacle:
Talk about soldiers and firemen
and life-savers! think It takes a
braver man than any of those to be
a conductOr-reaIly."
We'll, 1t is kind of a responsible
job" The conductor swelled his chest
little at that. and Marjorie felt that
he was already hers. She hammered
the weak spot in his armor:
Responsible! l should say It is.
Mr.. Mallory Is soldier. but soldiers
are such ferocious, destructive peo-
pie. while conductors save lives and
III l were only a man / think 1t
would be my greatest ambition to be
conductor-especially on an over
land express"
The conductor told the truth when
he confessed: We'll, l never heard
1t 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 facer. He was going to
get his train through On Time Just
10 oblige Marjorie. She stammered:
Il don't suppose the train. by anv
accident, would be delayed In leaving
Ogden?"
Not If l can help It," the hero
averred, to reassure her.
Il wish 1t would" Marjorie mur-
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. l just wanted to do a little
shopping there"
shopping! While the train waits!
Excuse me-"
You see," Marjorie fluttered, "by a
sad mistake, my baggage isn't on the
train. And l haven't any-any-l
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 OF and take the next
train?"
MY husb-Mr. Mallory has to be
in San Francisco by tomorrow night
He just has to-"
$50 have l."
But to oblige me? To save me
from distress-don't you think you
could?" Like 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 q 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 clear
sky: "Are you married?"
He was as awkward as if she had
proposed to him. she answered for
him: "Oh, but of course you are. The
women wouldn't let big, handsome
noble brave giant like you escape
long," He mOpped his brow in agony
as she went on: I'm sure you're q
very chivalrOus man. I'm sure you
would give your life to rescue a
maiden in distress. Well, here's your
chance. Won't yor please hold the
train?"
She actually had her cheek almost
against his shoulder, though she had
to poise atiptoe to reach him. NAL
lory's dismay was changing to q boil
ing rage, and the conductor was q
pitiable combination of Saint Anthony
and Tantalus. lid love to oblige
much as my jobs worth
How much Is that%' Marjorie
asked. and added reassuringly. III
you lost your job I'm sure my father