Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1912-10-30

NAC1 lldQ DOJu SpSul luClE early gOubh
Mentally, she contrasted his self
macc success With the dereliction OF
the other man who started out in life
with every advantage on his side, and
who was now kept afoat merely
through his family influence.
Meanwhile, the train that had been
moving slowly, stopped again. Glanc-
ing out the window, they could not
see a break in the leaden clouds
above, nor the red water that COZ
cred the earth
"You-alls am shoah watah-bound,
the porter remarked with a cleaning
smile as he passed through the car.
At that moment, the conductor en-
tered and said: Wen have to tie up
here for the night, as the condition CT
the track makes it unsafe to go on.
We are just at the edge of a town, and
| thereU be a cab down here in a few
minutes If anyone wants to go to
HOTEL
Whereupon arose a discussion as to
what they had better do. At last, only
few of the more venturesome spirits
decided to brave the rain. The major
ity preferred to remain.
A little later, as Judith lay in her
berth listening to the patter of the
rain, the strangeness of it all kept her
awake. She was glad that Frank had
not gone to a hotel; the knowledge
| that he was still on the train brought
a sense of protection and made it
seem less lonely. She went over and
over in her mind as a woman will,
each detail of their unexpected meet
! ing. Their talk together made her re
call many incidents of her girlhood
that she had not thought of for years.
! She fell asleep wondering if Frank
remembered the many times he used
to help her with her algebra problems.
Next morning the rain ceased. Grad
ually the passengers began to emerge
| from their berths, and greet each 9th
er with that feeling of long acquaint-
ance which a delay on a train often
brings. Just as they were discussing
the prospect of breakfast, the con-
ductor said: There's a railway eat
ing-house little way from here; you
can get some breakfast there"
Joyfully, they made preparations to
go.
As Judith was going down the steps,
Frank Leedford joined her, and to-
/ gether they picked their way along
/ the red, clay-stained track They were
unaccountably merry, and laughed like
! two care-free children as they mount
| ed the high stools before the lunch
| counter, while the half-breed Indian
waiter gravely poured their coffee.
| When they had finished, they started
out to explore the little town, which,
mushroom-like, seemed to have sprung
up in the night. So quickly did the
| time pass that both were surprised
when the whistle blew, calling the pas
sengers back to the train. Through
rift in the clouds, the sun cast long
arrows of light over the red water
Judith and Leedford sat together
talking earnestly. Leedford told of
some of the struggles he had had to
attain his present success.
ITS a great country, and going to
be still greater" he declared, enthusi-
astically. 81 love my work and would
be perfectly happy if only there were
tenderness and sympathy awaiting me
at the end of the day" Into his keen
eyes crept a strangely wistful look.
AS the afternoon slipped away, ST.
| lence settled over them, and they sat
very still, both absorbed in their own
thoughts. Judith glanced out of the
window. Already, they were passing
the stock yards, which mark the ap-
proach into the city. AS she realized
the journey was over and soon their
ways would divide, wave of great
loneliness swept over her.
At last she realized that LeedfcTd
was speaking her name, but his voice
seemed to come from long distance.
Judith" he repeated, and his eyes
rested on her ringless hands, perhaps
/ have no right to ask; but for old
times sake, will you tell me if your
marriage to Barlow is to take place in
the spring."
Neither then, nor ever" she replied
with a battling smile.
"You-you are free? Have 1 a right
to speak?" In his eyes shone great
gladness. 81 have loved you ever
since our school days, Judith. Is there
any hope for me?"
81 can't decide yet, Frank. can't
be off with the old and on with the
new so soon. lit doesn't seem de-
cent?" She ended with a nervous lit
tie laugh.
Down here in this new country, we
put deal through quickly" he replied
earnestly. Judith, little girl, when we
reach the station, you had better tele-
phone the school board to look around
for another science teacher, while go
and make arrangements with a minis
ter; for there's going to be another
tie-up."
Copyright, 1912, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)