The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-10-24
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
The MIDNIGHT LOCAL
BY JOHN DARLING.


As the west door Of the depot swung
open 1t hid the man sitting behind 1t
from view. Katherine never even
stopped to make sure it was fastened
after her One glance up at the clock.
and she hurried over to the ticket win
dow.
Topeka" she said, In low voice.
"Baggage?" queried the young fel-
low who was on duty at night. BE
cause she's coming along now, and
you've hardly time to check It,"
Il have only my suitcase" said
Katherine. Thanks"
She picked 1t up and went out on
the platform. The up-bound train was
due any minute. AS she passed out,
that man behind the door rose quick
ly and came forward, his hat pushed
back from his face.
III take one to the same place,
AL" he said. with a grim smile.
IT'S Topeka, Mr.. Gavin. and no
sleepers on this train"
That's all right, don't mind"
said Gavin, pleasantly. You might
telephone to her father and mother
that / have gone along to take care
of her. You understand, AIT"
Yes, sir. All right, Mr.. Gavin" AL
Simms pursed his lips for a silent
whistle as Gavin stepped out into the
night. The midnight train pulled in,
and he saw the two board 1t, the girl
still unconscious that she was being
fnl hA hon
unlocked the ticket office. he called up
the Osgood house. He could hear the
prolonged ringing of the bell, and final
ly drowsy, rather testy tone asking
who 1t was.
ITS me, Mr.. Osgood, AL Simms, at
the station; yes. sir. Mr.. Gavin just
told me to call you up and say he
would look after Miss Osgood. as he
was taking the same train through to
Topeka"
Miss Osgood Is upstairs in bed and
asleep"
Pardon me, Mr.. osgood, but l just
sold her the ticket myself. and the
trains gone"
There was faint smothered sound
like a groan and a muttered word OF
thanks then silence, and Al Simms
stared thoughtfully out of the dark
window pane.
On the train Katherine found a va
cant seat easily. Nearly all the occu.
pants of the car we're already asleep
in varying postures. She sat close to
the window, very cold and straight
looking at the reflection of herself In
its darkened surface. 1t was like q
negative held to the light. Her face
seemed strained and unnatural, and
still its lines were all softened and
toned down.
She had hardly come to the full real
ization that the step was taken, that
she had thrown off the bond of duty
and love that held her to her home
and was going out to find herself
That was the way she had put 1t tc
herself for weeks, to find herself
Somehow back home in the tumble ol
warning personalities, she had lost the
grip on her own self. At her feet waE
her suitcase, and tucked half undel
her skirt. her violin case. While she
would bring her money for food anC
shelter and clothes until she coult
take lessons and broaden out hel
scope. From Topeka she would gC
east gradually. II must be easy WheI
one was young and alone. and all th'
world lay ahead.
She threw up her chin with renewed
determination and looked down thu
aisle at Kenneth Gavin smiling at her
He bowed and came leisurely forwart
with outstretched hand.
Nov. isn't this a lucky chance
Miss Kitty?" he exclaimed. Il wal
dreading the night trip, and here
find you to talk with. Going far?"
Katherine hesitated. The one per
son she really would have avoided
was with her. His eyes held no ques
tioning; his voice was natural ant
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