The Ordway new era., 1912-10-11

braver man than any Of those to b
conductor-reaiiy."
well. 1t Is a kind OF responsible
Job" The conductor swelied his chest
a little at that. and Marjorie felt that
he was already hers. She hammered
the weak spot in his armor:
"Responsible! ] should, say It 10.
Mr.. Mallory Is a soldier. but soldiers
are such ferocious. destructive peo-
pie. while conductors save lives. and
III l were only q man think It
would be my greatest ambition to be
a conductor-especially ON an over.
land express"
The conductor told the truth when
he confessed: swell. l never heard
It put just that way" Then he spoke
with little moro pride. hoping TO In
crease the impression he felt he was
making: Tho main thing. OF course.
10 to get my train through On Time!"
This was a facer. He was going 70
get his train through On Time Just
to oblige Marjorie. She stammered:
Il don't suppose the train. by any
oSSsoOuss "ouAu oo ooioS00 ~ soossoo
Ogden?"
Not II l can help It," the hero
averred. to reassure her.
II wish 1t would" Marjorie muF.
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:
A"Oh. Just wanted to do q little
shopping there
shopping! While the train waitsI
Excuse mel" ....
you see." Marjorie nuttered. by .
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"
II can imagine" the conductor
mumbled. "Why don't you and your
husband drop on and take the next
train?"
MY husb-Mr. Mallory has to be
in San Francisco by tomorrow night.
He Just has to-"
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 a 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 II she had
proposed to him. she answered for
him: "Oh, but OF course you are. The
women wouldn't let q big. handsome.
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 q
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
lory's dismay was changing to boil.
ing rage. and the conductor was
pitiable combination OF Saint Anthony
and Tantalus. lid love to oblige
you," he mumbled. but 1t would be as
much as my jobs worth"
How much Is that?" Marjorie
asked, and added reassuringly. III
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 gesticulatins
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. implore you.
l." 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 heart?'
Mallory rushed into the scene and
the conductor, tearing Marjorie's 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-
dnctor. crying: DO you refuse? DO
YOU dare refuse?"
i've got to-" the conductor ao1ect'
ly insisted.
Marjorie blazed with fury and the
siren became a 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!!!"
Than che hurled herself into q chair