The Washington herald., 1917-10-01

dened eye, Helen met her glance in
the mirror-a glance of cold hostiI-
ity. The pain of the cinder was for
gotten in a sudden, urgent plan.
The next moment she was hurrying
back to Warren.
"Oh, dear. come quick! She's in
the dressing room! Let's take our
section now. He wouldn't put her
out-and he won't dare move u.s."
Warren's only answer was
snort of disdain as he knocked the
ashes from his cigar.
But why, dear-why not? You
say it's ours"
80 1t is. But we'll not get It that
way. That's a little too raw. Jove.
women do think up the rottenest
schemes"
Helen's face flushed in the dark
ness. 1t was underhanded-she saw
that now. Yet for the moment it
had seemed quite just. She shrank
back. hating herself for these swift
impulses that were so often un-
worthy.
Another half hour and they were
in the outskirts OF Albany. When
they drew into the station. Helen
saw the Pullman porter helping on
several passengers. The reserved
berths would be taken-she felt
sure of that.
A hoarse whistle. a groanIng of
brakes, and they were off The
lights of the city well behind them,
Warren tossed away his cigar with
a menacing,
Come on. Wen settle about that
blooming section right nowT"
Dear. what are you going to do?'
anNiOuSlv '"ThOea AlhapU
are taken-I saw some people get
ting on. Don't make a scene-I
suppose we could manage in that
one berth"
I'VE could-but we WON'T"
In dread apprehension she follow
ed him as he strode back through
the observation car to their sleep
er.
The conductor was standing by
section four, talking earnestly with
its occupant. If only he could per-
suade her to give it up without a
scene.
How about those Albany sec
tions?" asked Warren with mislead-
ing geniallty.
Sorry. sir. but they're both taken.
I'll Rave to give you lower seven.
That's the best I can do"
Nll' ilb, IL 1871 [. lou II give IllS
lady lower seven-and we'll take our
section"
But the ladv refuses -"
Then I'll wire the general pas
senger agent-Mr Cummings hap
pens to be a friend of mine" with
brusque finality. Now unless you're
looking for trouble-you'n move this
lady to that other BERTH
1t was an awkward moment. The
disconnected conducto muttered
something about having tried to
avoid words with a lady, but since
the gentleman insisted on pressing
his claim. she would have to give up
the section.
"I'll not give it up" excitedly, her
paid for this section-you don't dare
force me out"
But the conductor had already
touched the bell for the porter.
Take these bags over to section
seven. This lady will have the low
er berth" Then to her shrill protest,
Now madam. there's no use max
ing things unpleasant. I'm very
sorry-but it's not my mistake"
This is outrageous! I'll sue the
lOdu IOE lllS. 1 u see lldl
You can take that up with the
proper officials. This gentleman's
ticket shows he made the reservation
first"
The porter had moved the bags,
and now after a few moments fam
ing vehemence, she had no choice
but to follow. The furious color
dyeing her face, she crossed the aisle
with as much dignity as the swaying
car would permit.
oh, dear, you're wonderful" whis-
pered Helen, as they settled them
selves in the disputed section, "you
always are. That you should know
the general passenger agent"
Il don't! Wouldn't know him from
Adam. Got his name from the tickets.
Huh, that bluff was cinch," with
chuckle. Much pleasanter for all
concerned than dragging that dame
out BY the hair"
Copyright, lsl7J