The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1913-07-11

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a conductor-really."
We'll, II Is kind OF a responsible
job" The conductor swelled 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 II is
Mr.. Mallory is soldier. but soldiers
are such ferocious. destructive peo
Pile. while conductors save lives. and
If | were only a man l think Il
would be my greatest ambition to be
conductor-especially on an over.
land express"
The conductor told the truth when
he confessed: We'll, I 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
TO oblige Marjorie. She stammered:
Il don't suppose the train, by any
accident. would be delayed in leaving
Ogden?"
mot II can help It," the hero
averred, TO reassure her.
II wish 1t would" Marjorie muir.
INJURED.
The conductor looked at her in sur.
prise: why, what's 1t to your" She
turned her eyes on him at full candle
power, and smiled:
oh just wanted to do Iittle
shopping there"
Shopping! While the train waits!
Excuse mel"
You see," Marjorie fluttered. by a
sad mistake, my baggage isn't on the
train. And haven't any-any-i
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 Off and take the next
train?"
MY husb-Mr. Mallory has to be
In San Francisco by tomorrow night
lie just has to-"
$50 have l."
But to oblige me? To save me
from dstress-dont 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 little tiny half hour?"
lie 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 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
very chvalrous man. I'm sure you
would give your life to rescue
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
10 poise atiptoe to reach him. NAL
lory's dismay was changing to Doll
ing rage. and the conductor was
pitiable combination OF Saint Anthony
and Tantalus. I'D love to oblige
you" he mumbed, but II 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 better one.
Maybe" said the conductor. but
| got this one"
Then his rolling eyes caught siSht
of the supposed husband gesticuiating
wildly and evidently clearing for ac'
ton. He warned Marjorie: Say. your
husband is motioning at you"
Don't mind him." Marjorie urged
lust listen TO me. | implore you.
1" 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 Marjories arms
loose, retreated. gasping, NO! 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 aoject.
! ly insisted.
! Marjorie blazed with fury and the
siren became a Scylla. Then Ill 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 stupid old emigrant
train,, of all things!!!"
Then she hurled herself into chair
and pounded her heels on the floor
in tantrum that paralyzed Mallory.
Even the conductor tapped him on the
shoulder and said: You have my sym.
pathy."
CTo BE CoNTINUED),