The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1912-03-28
A Parallel
Case
A Story Where Truth Proves
Stranger Than Fiction
BY AGNES C. BROGAN

4
not enjoying his journey. He appear
ed TO be possessed OF a hunger for HUI
man companionshlp. and after several
unsuccessful attempts at conversation
with fellow passengers In the smoker
he stepped out on 10 the observation
platform and stood drawing long
breaths OF fresh air, as though the
proximity OF the trees along the way
side stifed him. Then, turning alb
ruptly, he entered the car. Its occu.
pants still sat absorbed In their own
affairs as his towering figure passed
down the aisle. Then as Boynton
sank Into his seat his glance fell upon
girl who sat opposite. He had not
noticed her before, but now his bored
expression gave way to one Of frank
pleasure as he gaZed admlrngly into
her charming upturned face.
There was an indeinable air OF Joy
BUSINESS about the girl which curved
the corners of her lips and twinklcd
In her laughing eyes. She regarded
the westerner with good humored In
terest for u moment, then returned To
her survey OF the ever changing seen
cry. But To the man her very pres
ence had changed the dreary atmos-
phere like breath from the sweet.
wild pralries. He saw as he covertly
watched the girl her unaffected de.
light In the new surroundings aud
nf q h.afi r..
to enjoy with her this passing pano-
rama. He longed TO tell her OF the
wide reaching lands OF his own be-
loved country and the deep purple Of
the sky which bordered all. She
would understand. he was very sure,
what IL must mean to n man to give
up all this and start life afresh I'm a
distant land among a strange, new
people.
1t was indeed a great honor TO be
numbered among the company's stock
holders and to be named as their bust
ness representative in the southern
city toward which he was travelling.
Boynton tossed his magazine aside
and stared gloomily out Of the win
dow. The train would 20 rushing on
like this. eating up the miles between,
until a certain station would be called;
then the girl opposite would arise and
smilingly pass out OF his life forever.
And she was so different-oh, so
ideally differentiation any woman he
had ever known.
III you please. snid voice. a low
sweet voice, may take your maya
zine for few moments? would like
to see that story"
"Take it, he answered heartily.
"Well, 1 rather guess you can! You
won't care for the story, though" he
added
"No" The girl smiled up at him.
rs 1t such poor storyf'
Poor" he exclaimed disgustedly.
Talk Of fiction: there's where you get
1t. wonder the magazines publish
Henry Hobbs twaddle. This thing is
one OF the worst he has ever done.
Couldn't possibly happen and wouldn't
interest any one IL II could"
"Indeedf" The rising infection in
the soft voice invited further informa-
ton, and the westerner, swaying un-
steadily with the cars motion, slipped
into the seat at her side
YES" he continued, its awful rot.
Couple meet on n railroad train, be-
come acquainted the first mile or two
out fall In love the second and leave
the car few hours later to procure a
marriage license. Runs like n moving
picture. Now, in the first place, what
fellow but an out and out chump
would ask girl to marry him In that
short space OF time. while the girl who
would accept wouldn't be worth ask
ing unless, Of course" he added laugh
ingly, they were both just plain fool
ish."
The girl Joined in his laugh merrily.
WELL" she said, perhaps they were
But the illustration is beautiful. don't
you Think" She was examining 1t
intently
Why" Boynton exclaimed, at might
be picture Of this very car. The
girl In the rear seat is like you, too
small and dark and happy looking. |
She's southerner."
His companion nodded. $50 am l."
she said.
A shadow crossed the mans face. |
MY home has always been In the far |
west,"' he confided. I'm afraid Ill |
find myself mighty different when |
try to be one OF you" .t
The girls eyes widened. "From the |
far west" she repeated wonderingly. |
"Oh, i would love to have you tell me
what II means to live out therer'
With an almost boyish eagerness he |
complied with her request, aud their
laughter rang out often as the train
sped on its way. The train came to a
very sudden stop presently, with much
creaking OF wheels and brakes, aud
the westerner broke Off In the midst
OF an exciting tale to investigate the
cause He returned soon with an as
surfing nod to the girl
Just little sand slide ahead" he
explained, but we shall be detained
an hour or so while they clear the
tracks"
I'VE shall be very late I'm reaching
our destination. l am going TO sleep.
You must not talk TO me any more"
she said