Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1914-08-29
TheDivorcing
Umbrella
How II Settled the Trip TO
New York
BY WILLIAM HUGO PABkE
BY Frank A Munsey Co

DtUJiiittu ilduhslH Auuu sul INV n
on the plush seat beside his wife OF
two hours and thirty seven minutes,
pulled down his white wnistcoat TO Ut
snrsly that portion OF his anatomy that
IL was intended to 1T. aud peered past
Mrs Benjamin Franklin Todd into the
mystery of the iarkcning train shed.
Huh hc exclaimed. putting out his
chest proudly The folks back home
said we couldn't get 10 NYork city
alone did they; III show EN-. Why,
Pansy. the worst Is over; we're on the
right train. any way"
They don't know how smart my
Benny is she averred cooingly.
Course wen get there
Benny assumed nm expression OF vast
pride He was bursting into speech
when sudden panicky thought forced
the glance OF his china blue eyes up
ward toward the baggage rack over
head
lie made quick mental inventory
OF his aud his brides belongings
"Pansy. The shrll treble held
note OF utter horror. Il forgot the
umbrelcr!'' he walled
A glance NJ his watch treasured him
that the train would not leave for six
minutes
"Oh. Benny. And 1t was our wed
din present from Uncle Eihu"
fss
he declared. with Importance
You'll get left sure" worried his
wife. Don't go. Bcnjy It'd be Just
awful to get separated so soon"
Leave 1t TO me. ordered the youn:
husband III you're nervous while
I'm gone just walk to the very last car
OF the train an YOU can see me comm
back"
He trottcd through the car and hop
ped down the steps
A boy in Il shabby uniform and
visored cap passed close by.
say. boy" pipcd Bcnjy. want q
jobY"
Don't mind" said the boy sadly.
My umhrrller. | left It In the res
taurant Upstairs. you know-across
there It's u wrddin' present You
bring Il here. an'-nn' I'll Tx you up.
will"
"A right n right" The boy turned
away wcarly wait here" he threw
over his shoulder
Benny waited obedicntly. but nervous.
~. when he was sure that the boy
had been gone half an hour nj least he
looked at his watch There was still
minute 10 spare. He graspcd the hand
grim determination Al any rate the
train could not escape him.
A tall. gnnIlug man in overalls. car
rying lantern aud hammer. passed.
regarding him curiously
Hey called Bcniy Train rr
N'iork leave on this track" he que
ritd TO make conversation
"Yep-track u"
The bridegroom shivcrcd he was
naturally snpcrstitious 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. fcrrulc first
MIR Todd offered II dime. which was
scornfully rejected. augmented the fee
with quarter and turned TO ny. com.
ing into violent contact with his gan
Cling friend
Where ye goin':"
ITO catch my train" gasped BenJy
Toe late. its went" said the tall
one placidly.
The beIatcd brldcgruom's hands shot
up and clutchcd the rcassuring brass
rail again
1T Amt went. It aln't went" he
shrillcd I've got nlolt OF itr'
With the cOuicmptuous Camness or
his class. the railroad man pulled Ben.
jamin Franklin To one side and point
ed. The car had been left.
MY wife: My wife, shricked the
youthful husband wildly "Oh, what
will do? I've lost my wife,
Come with me"
They rnced across tracks. through
vestibules. up night OF iron stairs
burst into II large room where u
myriad of telegraph instruments chat.
tered their unintellleible gossip all at
once
To Benny they seemed 10 mock his
plight IN gay abandon OF meaning.
less sound. The uveralls came 10
halt beside II young man with green
shade over his eyes. whose fingers
rested Idly for fraction Of second
on his key
Herb. this kids lost his mother
! mean hi- wife She went ont on a.
Shoot n message to Clancy will yer?
An see = You en- get 'em together
again
IAN right catch I'm NJ RrghtSlde."
Herb complied Name? Dcscriptionf"
he barked slanring NJ Benny
SHE she's n biz. tai girl" blurtcd
her husband about two inches tall.
rr n me. AM"
Herb Suickered Go on" he order.