The Press., 1914-12-09
:TheDiyorcing Umbrella How 1t Settled the Trip to . New York
 . By WILLIAM HUGO PABKE
 . Copvrieht by Frank A. MunSey Co
By WILLIAM HUGO PABKE

Benjamin Franklin Todd sat down on the plush seat beside his wife of two hours and thirty-seven minutes. pulled down his white waistcoat to it snugly that portion of his anatomy that it was intended to fit. and peered past Mrs Benjamin Franklin Todd into the mystery of the larkening train shed.
 "Huh!' he exclaimed. putfing out his chest proudly. ''The folks back home said we couldn't get to Work city alone. did they? I'll show 'em. Why. Pansy, the worst is over; we're on the right train, any way
 "They don't know how smart my Benjy is,'' she averred coOingly. Course we'll get there!''
 Benjy assumed an expression of vast pride. He was bursting into speech when d sudden panicky thought forced the glance of his china blue eyes up- ward toward the baggage rack over head.
 He made a quick mental inventory of his and his brides belongings.
 "Pansy!' The shrill treble held a note of utter horror. '1 forgot the umbrellerr' he walled.
 A glance at his watch reassured him that the train would not leave for six minutes.
 "Oh, Benjy! And it was our we'd din' present from Uncle Elihu"'
 "I'll get it. It's in the lunch room" he declared, with importance.
 "Yon'lI get left sure" worried his wife. Don't go, Benjy. It'd be just awful to get separated so soon.''
 Leave it to me-" ordered the young husband If you're nervous while Pm gone just walk to the very last car of the train, an you can see me comin back"
 He trOtted through the car and hop ped down the steps.
 A boy in a shabby uniform and visored cap passed close by.
 "Say. boy."' piped Benjy. want a job?''
 Don't mind," said the boy sadly.
 My umbreller. left it in the res taurant Upstairs. you know-acrOss there. It's weddin' present You bring it here. an'-an' I'll fix you up, will''
 "A right, a right The boy turned away wearily. "Wait here" he threw over his shoulder.
 Benjy waited Obediently. but nervous ly. When he was sure that the boy had been gone half an hour at least he o% hi Hoh c%f o minute to spare. He grasped the hand rail of the last car and held on with grim determination. At any rate the train could not escape him.
 A tall. gangling man in overalls, car rying a lantern and hammer, passed. regarding him curiously.
 "Heyv' called Benjy. Train fir N'York leave on this track?' he que ried to make conversation.
 "Yep-track 13."
 The bridegroom shivered; he was naturally superstitious. The next mo- ment he caught sight of the boy com ing through the gate with the precious umbrella in his hand.
 Here y'are" said the boy. holding out the umbrella. ferrule first.
 MT. Todd offered a dime. which was scornfully rejected. augmented the fee with quarter and turned to fly. com ing into violent contact with his gan gling friend.
 Where ye goin'?''
 "To catch my train!" gasped Benjy.
 'ToO late: it's went,' said the tall one pIacidly.
 The belated bridegrOom's hands shot up and clutched the reassuring brass rail again.
 Tt ain't went! It ain't wentr" he shrilled. i've got ahOlt of it!''
 With the contemptuous calmness of his class, the railroad man pulled Ben jamin Franklin to one side and point ed. The car had been left.
 My wife! My wifer' shrieked the youthful husband wildly. "Oh, what will I do? I've lost my wffer'
 Come with me-
 They raced across tracks, through car vestibules. up flight of iron stairs and burst into large room where myriad of telegraph instruments chat  once
 To Benjy they seemed to mock his plight in a gay abandon of meaning less sound. The overalls came to a halt beside young man with green shade over his eyes. whose fingers rested idly for a fraction of a second on his key.
 nr1 hS I mean his wife. She went out on A Shoot message to Clancy. will yer? An see f you c'n get lem together again {
 "All right: catch i'm at Brightside,'' Herb complied. Name? Description"' 1e parked. glancing at Benjy.
 "SheLshe.s a big. tall girl" blurted Aer husband" about two inches tall CT n me. an'"- ..
 Herb snickered. ''GO on," he order ed crisply.
 ''An' her names Pansy Butterworth.'
 Herb was calling RS. BS. "Got 'em," he grunted.
 Wait: No. it ain'tr' cried the for getfu husband ''Tt useter be Pansy Butterworth. but it's Mrs. Todd now Mrs. Benjamin l'ralriIn Todd. Have you got her on the end of the wire?' he asked anxiousIy, biting his finger nails. "I've caught Clancy at Brightside. He'll answer from NewviIle."
 Better come outside" urged the guide. "Be about five minutes before you c'n get an answer" Benjy walked out of the stuffy room in daze, the tall man going off about his own affairs with the promise that he would return shortly. The crisp air cleared MT. Todd's brain somewhat. bringing q sharp reali- \ zation of his unfortunate predieament Of course Pansy would be found soon, but would he have the nerve to con- tinue that perilous journey to New