The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-12-18
RAILROAD ROMANCE
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

egg stove aglow, was gratefully warm.
But the oilcloth-covered counter was
guiltless of food and the ticket ONCE
minus an occupant
Marian waited for someone to come,
meanwhile watching the clock anx-
iously. Precious minutes were pass
ing and still no one came to serve her.
She was turning toward the door
when the stranger lifted his hat
beg your pardon. but as the agent
doesn't seem to be around just now.
perhaps you will permit me to hunt
up a lunch for you. He may have
something hidden under the counter.
Marian turned to the door again.
Thank you. but as the train will
leave in a minute | am afraid must
go. Good evening"
He hurried to the door and held II
open for her The storm had increased
in violence, almost carrying Marian
of her feet. Fine sleet cut into their
faces. He took her arm and together
they fought their way across the plat
form through the storm. Then they
stopped suddenly, aghast The track
was empty and the train gone! II had
slipped away, it's noise drowned by
the screaming wind.
by George, that's too bad!" he
shouted into her ear. Marian was
thankful now for the storm and dark
ness, for she could not keep back the
tears any longer.
There seemed to be nothing to do
but to 20 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, Bob! 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 am afraid you
are up against it, Mr.. Hays. There
isn't another train tonight"
Marian dropped Imply to seat.
The man went to the door and stepped
outside 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?"
Il guess So The men left her there
on the siding. Why. what were you
thinking Off It's frozen over like q
wedding cake"
Il was thinking" said the man,
that as I know enough about them
Ito run one, we might thaw on the
icing with hot water and could get
this young lady to Drexel In time to
catch the express. Any gasoline
around the place. do you supposef"
why. there's q 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 Rob. you gel
the water on to heat. will your And
II you can scare up a little hot cof
fee some place for this lady and my
self I'll dance at your wedding"
4 I'm married." grinned Bob, enter
ing into the spirit Of the thing, but
I'll help all can just the same" get
ting out not only the coffeepot. blu,
also q skillet for bacon and eggs
There, Mr.. Hays. That waters no,
now. put some salt in 1t. Thawi
quicker!"
BY the time the little car was ready
the wind had Gained. and Marian
wrapped to her ears in a borrowed
robe, sat like q queen on the soap DO,
the men had found for her. In a min
ute they were sliding along into thu
darkness, their lanterns illuminating
the rails only couple of feet ahead.
Marian was frightened. but gave M
sign. She would have risked her lif'
ON a war balloon to get to Brighton
before twelve.
The car sped on past little station
that were as quiet as cemeteries. M
freights overlook them. and at las
the lights of Drexel appeared.
The man held his watch close L
the lantern. "Good!" he cried. Tel
minutes and well be on the express
to Brighton"
I There had been little opportunit.
for conversation. In the waiting room
at Drexel Marian tried to thank him
There were still two minutes befor
the train was due.
Il wonder II you know how much
appreciate what you have done TO
me, Mr."
"Hays! Endicott Hays!"
mr.. Hays, My name is Maria,
langley. and It is absolutely neces
sary for me to be in Brighton today
II seems that all the heirs to the Lang
ley estate are In danger of losing
lgreat deal of money II I don't have m.
name on some stupid paper or othe
before midnight"
Endicott Hays looked at her in as
tonishment for an instant. Then. draw
ing paper from his pocket. he cried
"And this is the stupid paper. wa
going to Brighton to find you. I'm tn,
lawyer in the case. They told me yo'
lived there!"
"And after they had discovered thei
mistake. they telegraphed me to NEE
ivou there as you had already depart