Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1914-02-21
DACkTOHApplNEss

behind it from view. Katherine
never even stopped to make sure il
was fastened after her. One glance
up at the clock, and she hurried
over to the ticket window.
Topeka" she said, in low voice.
"Baggagep" queried the young
fellow who was on duty at night.
al have only my suitcase" said
Katherine. Thanks"
She picked it 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 quickly and came for
ward, has hat pushed back from his
face.
"T'll take one to the same place,
Al" he said with a grim smile.
"1ts Topeka, Mr.. Gavin, and no
sleepers on this train"
'"That's all right, l don't mind"
said Gavin, pleasantly. "You might
telephone to her father and mother
that l have gone along to take care
of her. You understand, Alp
eyes, sir. All right, Mr.. Gavin"
AL Simms pursed his lips for
silent whistle as Gavin stepped out
into the night.
The midnight train pulled in, and
he saw the two board it, the girl
still unconscious that she was being
followed.
When he came back and unlocked
the ticket Office he called up the Os-
good house. He could hear the pro-
longed ringing of the bell, and final
ly drowsy, rather testy tone ask
ing who it was.
"1ts 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 /
just sold her the ticket myself, and
the trains gone"
There was a 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
vacant seat easily. Nearly all the
occupants of the car were 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.
She had hardly come to the full
realization 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 her
self. That was the way she had put
it to herself for weeks, to find her
self.
Somehow back home in the tumble
of warning personalities, she had lost
the grip on her own self. AT her feet
was her suitcase, and tucked half I'M
der her skirt her violin case.
While she had that she was never
afraid. 1t would bring her money
for food and shelter and clothes I'M
til she could take lessons and broaden
out her scope. From Topeka she
would go east gradually. 1t must be
easy when one was young and alone,
and all the world lay ahead.
She threw up her chin with re
newed determination and looked
down the aisle at Kenneth Gavin
smiling at her. He bowed and came
leisurely forward with outstretched
hand.
"Now, isn't this a lucky chance,
Miss Kitty?" he exclaimed. 81 was
dreading the night trip, and here L
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
questioning; his voice was natural
and CHEEKY. Almost against her win
she welcomed his presence.
"To Topeka" sic said. 81 expect
to work there now"
"Thats good. 1t does anyone good
| to broaden ont You must be over