The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-11-13
By LOUISE OLIVER.

Marian and the stranger entered the
little station at Blueville together. Blue
vile was not scheduled as a stop. but
the engine needed water. In fact, the
water tank and station just about con-
-stituted the village.
Marian would never have thought Of
Drawing the singing February wind had
not hunger driven her out. In her hurry
to make the noon train upon receipt of
q telegram, she had missed luncheon
and the train had proved to be devoid
Of even a tray OF fruit 1t was now s
o'clock, and Brighton, her destination,
was two hours away. Assured that it
would take ten minutes to supply the
engine with water and that sometimes
the station agent supplied travellers with
q smack Of something to eat. Marian
ventured forth.
This little waiting room, with its egg
stove aglow. was gratefully warm But
the oilcloth covered counter was guilt
less of food and the ticket office minus
an occupant
Marian waited for some one to come,
meanwhile watching the clock anxiously.
Precious minutes were passing and still
no one came to serve her.
Her usually vivacious face showed
r fatigue, her mouth dropped and every
inch of her looked forlorn
She was turning toward the door when
the stranger lifted his hat II beg your
pardon. but as the agent doesn't seem
to be around just now. perhaps you will
permit me to hunt up lunch for you
He may have something hidden under
the counter.
Marian frightened instantly. That's
very kind, I'm sure. l am dreadfully
hungry and the train leaves in five
minutes. SO IL you don't mind foraging
shall be very grateful"
counter a minute later, that there isn't
much here" Marian watched the top
of his hat bob up and down. and finally
come I'D to stay. The nan set a bot
tie Of pop on the counter. then, diving
again, produced a plate of dry-looking
doughnuts and part of a pineapple
cheese. This is all I can find" he
apologized. He lifted a doughnut, re-
garding it curiously. I'll bet they dug
these up in Egypt"
Marian drew back, for hungry as she
was there wasn't a thing she could
touch Moreover time was flying and she
would have to go. She turned to the
door. Thank you very much for your
trouble just the same. but as the train
will leave in a minute I am afraid I
= must 60. Good evening"
He hurried to the door and held II
open for her. The storm had increased
In violence. almost carrying Marian off
her feet Fine sleet cut into their faces.
He took her arm and together they
fought their way across the platform
through the storm. Then they stopped
suddenly. aghast The track was empty
and the train gone! 1t had slipped
away. its noise drowned by the scream
ing wind.
by George. that's too bad!" he shout
ed into her ear. Marian was thankful
now for the storm and darkness, for she
could not keep back the tears any
longer.
There seemed to be nothing to do but
to go back to the empty station, which
offered protection at least from the
storm. She might have to wait some
time for the next train
As they went into the little waiting
room for the second time, the fumes of
tobacco notified the travellers that the
agent had come in, evidently by some
other way.
Hello, BobI Where on earth have
you been?" asked Marian's would-be
benefactor. while we were waiting for
you to hunt US a bite to eat, the train
vamoosed and left u.s."
Marian heard the other man whistle
with surprise. Then I am afraid you
are up against 1t, Mr.. Hays There isn't
another train tonightI'
But I've got to get to Brighton be-
fore Il o'clock" Marian interposed ex-
citedly. ct mustI I've got to! Oh. what
shall I do7"
The young man looked at her gravely.
I've got to get there tonight, too! Can't
you manage something, Bob? You might
flag a freight"
mo, I couldn't do that need my
Job. There's an express that stops at
Drexel at 9 o'clock. but it's fifteen miles
and you couldn't drive there in time to
catch It now"
Marian dropped Imply to a seat The
man went to the door and stepped out
side to tell his idea Of the whole business
to the elements. =
In a few minutes. he burst into the
waiting room Say. Bob. there's q
gasoline work car down the track Is
she all right?"
II guess SO. The men left her there
fore Christmas on the siding Why,
what were you thinking Of? It's frozen
over like a wedding cake
II was thinking" said the man, "that
as ! know enough about them to run
one. we might thaw off the icing with
hot water and I could get this young
lady to Drexel in time to catch the ex-
press Any gasoline around the place,
DO you suppose?"
Why. there's a bar1 of gasoline back
OF the freight house. Been there all
winter. But. say, there's lots Of freight
trains You'd get killed"
mo. we Won't! Now. Bob. you get