The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-22
EVENING STORY
Fifteen Hours in Durance.
BY SUSAN CLAGETT


snow that had been falling steadily for
storm her friends had endeavored to
persuade Louise Cochran to remain in
Washington, but she had laughed at
their prophesies that unpleasant
things would happen and had wished
them goodbye with apparent light
hearte lness.
In reality she was apprehsnsive.
She dreaded the delay to which she
might be subjected. She was in haste
to reach Staunton, at which place she
would still be twelve miles from her
home, and the prospect of the long
drive over country roads late at night
did not appeal to her.
But she made herself comfortable.
looked about taking an inventory of
the passengers. Seeing no one whom
she knew. she applied herself to her
knitting with an occasional glance out
OF the frost-rimmed window while the
train kept on its way with ever-in-
creasing slowness. There was pause
now and then for some passenger to
alight Then the train would start on
again with diminishing speed.
Finally 1t came to a dead stop. appar-
had happened. They had run into
drift and we're ctalled. And this &C.
Cured befor. they had reached Win
chester, not many miles from Wash
ington.
1t is one thing to be showed up with
plenty Of warmth in the coaches.
another, when the Thermometer gets
down to zero and there is no heat.
Something won't wrong with the steam.
The passengers were the usual crowd.
some among them making light of the
discomfort. others grumbling. but in
the end the women took out their
knitting and the men. having found
several packs of cards. settled down to
seven-up or poker.
But after several hours ono and all
snuggled down into their wraps. and
according to their several dispositions.
accepted the inevitable. 1t was cold.
horribly cold, and every one was hum
cry. Louise had divided her lunch
between two little girls sitting near
her. Between hunger and cold she
was feeling very forlorn, when a IA
miliar voice said to her:
Even If you are not on speaking
terms with me, Louise, think for the
moment you had better call a truce.
Stand up, please, while put this
around you"
Her teeth were chattering. but she
managed a ''N-no. am c-comfort-
able. think you"
Don't be silly. girl" Robert Lee
said roughly. my coat cannot hurt
you. Stand UP or will pick you up.
Surely you do not want every one in
the car craning their heads to see
what the fuss is about"
THAT is the trouble with
you." Louise chartered. you al
ways try to make Nine do things
I DIDN'T want to-"
Il pretty generally have my way"
the young fellow said grimly. his Jaw
taking a set look. when don't
things are bound to happen. Will you
stand up?"
ShA d;d oot $1,000 - -
over. slipping his arm behind her
shoulders. She shrank from him, and
the boy-for he was little more than
boy in spite of his six-feet-two-
drew back. his face white. Then he
took her hand and drew her to her
II must say" he muttered. sY had
no idea you could act so foolishIy. I
know you have quarreIed with me, but
that Is no reason you should freeze to
death when I can make you comfort
able" He drew the coat well about
her, then seated himself. What is 1t
all about? Your ring is in my pocket
with a note that I haven't been able
TO make anything of. After you are
warm you are going to give me an ex-
PLANTATION. Here's some chocolate.
Nibble on It and perhaps your dispol
sition will improve" He pushed the
package Into her reluctant hand, clos
Ing her fingers upon it.
I saw you when we left the Union
station and II 1t had not been for this
COMPOUNDED storm I would have left
! the train without speaking to you. but
| now. believe me. there will be a per-
feet understanding between us before
| we are out of this"
The warmth of the fur-lined coat
| was having its effect, and without
consciously doing SO. Louise was TAX
\ ing little bites of chocolate, thereby
| finding a comfort she had not known
before. She looked at the big fellow
and remarked casually:
lit is very good of you to take this
| trouble. I did not appreciate how cold
I was, nor how hungry" Here she bit
into the chocolate with every evidence
| of enjoyment. do you always carry
sweets about with your"
But he was absorbed in the contents
! OF note he had taken from his pocket
and did not answer. When at last he
raised his head there was a curious
| contraction Of his eyes and a bulldog
set to his chin that bespoke something
Of that animals tenacity.
| what made you write this, Louise ?
When saw you a week ago there was
this reached me out of a clear sky.
| What Is the meaning Of it?"
Are you sure you do not known"
| my conscience is clear" He looked
at her steadily. There is no use fenc.
ing for time. You had some motive
that is beyond me. I must be stupid
for am completely in the dark" For
a moment his anger got the better OF
him. IT thought you different from
| that crowd of butterflies back there. y
nodding his head in the direction OF
Washington. 1T seems, however. tina,
| am mistaken"
| "Butterflies!" Louise exclaimed. In
dignantly. Butterflies. indeed! Ev.
cry one of the crowd is at work. and
hard at work, at that. Do you think
it easy to spend all night at Union
station meeting troop trains and
to stay there until o'clock In
the morning handing out coffee and
sandwiches to men who have had
nothing to eat for hours and hours
| and"
THE uniform is becoming" he re-
torted in an ugly tone. Il saw you II
yours"
ITO say nothing of the strain upor
/ ones sympathy Only last nigh
| Marion Har1and cried like baby ovel
/ old man and hiQ UifA whn haf