Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-07-25
CHAPTER xIn.-(Continued.}

CHAPTER XIH.-(Continued.)
They had to wait sometime to get
the attention of the conductor. He
was having much trouble with some
disgruntled passengers who each
claimed to have the same berth. Cor
don finally got his ear. and showing
his state-room tickets inquired if they
could be used on his train.
NO" growled the worried conduc-
tor. you're on the wrong train.
This is a special, and every berth in
the train Is taken now but one up
per"
Then, We'll have to get off at the
next stop, 1 suppose, and take the
other train,' said Gordon dismally.
somewhere in the middle Of the
night. 1 tell you this is a special,
and we're scheduled t go straight
through. East Liberty's the last
STOP"
Then what shall we do?" asked
Gordon namely.
I'm sure 1 don't know" snapped
the conductor. 1--WE enough to do
without mending other peoples mis-
takes. Stay aboard, I suppose, unless
you want to jump off and commit sui
eide"
But 1 have a lady with me who
isn't at all WELL" said Gordon, with
dignity.
80 much the worse for the LADY
replied the conductor inhumanly.
There's one upper berth, I told you"
AN upper berth wouldn't. do for
her" said Gordon decidedly. "she
isn't we'll, l tell YOU"
Suit YOURSELF" snapped the har-
raised official. II reckon it's better
than nothing. You may not have it
long. I'm likely to be asked for it
the next half minute"
"1s that so? And is there absolute
ly nothing else2"
Young man., 1 can't waste words on
YOU. I haven't time. Take 1t or let it
alone. It's all n to me. There's
some standing room left in the day
coach. perhaps"
I'll take it," said Gordon meekly,
wishing he could 60 back and undo
the last half-hour. How in the world
was he to go and tell Celia that he
could provide her nothing better than
an upper berth?
She was sitting with her back to
him, her face resting YEARLY on her
hand against the window: Two men
with largely checked suits, big seal
rings, and diamond scarf-pins sat in
the opposite seat. He knew it was
most unpleasant for her. A nonde-
script woman with a very large hat
and thick powder on her face shared
Celia's seat. He reflected hat 'spe-
Gals" did not always bear a select
company.
"Is there nothing you can do?" he
pleaded with the conductor, as he
took the bit of ~pasteboard emitting
him to the last vacant berth. Don't
you suppose you could get some man
to change and give her a lower berth?
It'll be very hard for her. She isn't
used to upper berths."
His eyes rested wistfully on the
bowed head. Celia had taken off her
plumed hat, and the ftful light of the
car played with the gold of her hair.
The conductors grim eye softened as
he looked.
That the lady? I'll see what I
can do he said briefly, and stumped
off to the next car. The miracle Of
her presence had worked it's change
upon him.
Gordon went over to Celia and told
he in a low tone that he hoped to
have arrangements made for her soon,
SO that she could be comfortable. She
must be fearfully tired with the ex-
added that he had made a great
blunder in getting on this train, and
now there was no chance to get off
for several hours, perhaps. and prob
ably no supper to be had. s
Oh. it doesn't matter in the least"
said Celia YEARLY. I'm not at all
hungry" She almost smiled when she
said it. He knew that what she want
ed was to have lei mind relieved
saw that there. was no opportunity
now.
She even seemed sorry at his trou-
bled look, and tried to smile again
through the settled sadness in her
eyes. He could see she was very
weary, and he felt like a great brute
in care of a child, and mentally be-
rated himself for his own Sthoughtless-
ness.
Gordon started off to search for
something to eat for her, and was
more successful than he had dared
hope. The newsboy had two chicken
sandwiches left, and these, with the
addition Of a fine orange, q box of
chocolates, and a glass of ice-water.
he presently brought to her, and was
rewarded by a smile this time, almost
had given him during their beautiful
day.
But he could not sit beside her, for
the places were all taken, M no
could not stand in the aisle and talk.
for the porter was constantly running
back and forth making up the bArths.
There seemed to be a congested state
of things in the whole train, every
seat being full and men standing in
the aisles. He noticed now that they
all wore badges Of some fraternal or
der. 1t was doubtless a delegation to
some great convention, upon which
they had intruded. They were a
good-natured, noisy, happy crowd,
but not anywhere among them was to
be found a quiet spot where he and
Celia could 30 on with their sudden-
~ interrupted conversation. Present
" h conductor ann to him and said
he had found a gentleman who would