The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1922-03-04
he talked with Ralpha, while she held
the stop" sign, and afterwards. Grad.

be talked with Ralpha, while she helt
the stop" sign, and afterwards. Grad
ually they made astonishing plans, az
had also been intended. The mans
name was Norton. He WAS large
dark, rich. had fascinating business
connections, and was obviously inter.
ested in Ralpha Thomas He brought
her books to read. Ralpha was
thrilled; read them from cover to
cover It wasn't all she did. Among
other things she signed a contract. Oh.
things were happening. all right.
"Good work." said the station
agent to Ralpha. after the first month
not about Norton's plans but about
the way Kalpha tended the crossing.
other business, too
"Sh-h! - warned Ralpha. Mum! It's
awfully good Of the railroad. Of
course, but think OF the boost It'll be
for Brenton. And I'm not neglectlng
my crossing"
The testday came. II was after
noon, one minute before schedule time
for the ) :16 express. 1t always passed
the down accommodation at Brenton
or between Brenton and the first sta
ton down the line. 1t would pass at
Brenton tonight Ralpha was ready
for IT standing erect. alert. the black
STOP" held firmly in her hands,
new Jingle in her fingertips.
Up to the street chugged the brave
and trusty car that meant that Norton
was, as usual. on time to wait for the
down accommodation. Down the
street, riding bis white horse was
Henry Jones. Ralpha stood straight
and small. "Stop." held high above
her head The express shrieked at
the first curve. Jones' horse reared,
the brakes on Norton's car evidently
refused to work 1t was just ms II all
the perverse fates on earth were gath
ering right there round that brave
STOP" to see to it that Ralpha's
wish came true. and something-hap
pened
Something did
After 1t happened presto. Squire
Thomas himself descended on the
scene. From the corner grocery he
had been watching his daughter and
more closely than anybody knew.
Now he was right on hand. kicking
the pieces Of NOrtOn's car out OF the
way, so he could get to Ralpha, and
snatching her out of several mems
arms with worthy VIM AS matter
Of fact. however. Ralpha didn't appear
to be hurt and she did appear might
ily-surprised, to say the least.
20, dad, whatever did you have to
turn up now for2" she groaned
ITS all Norton's fault" glowered
father. meaning the accident.
II jumped" said Norton cheerfully.
Not scratch"
Worse luck!" raved father. THAT
Jones chaps to blame. then. If he'd
stuck to his job in the first place,
Ralpha wouldn't"
1--WE stuck, all right" said Henry
Jones. you bet But wen have to
do this thing over again anyway,
Squire. Just test. for lights and
things. Greatest thing ever. Aristo-
cratic old town, railroad crossing
main street. pretty girl crossing ten
der all full of love for the railroad.
Dandy night pictures we've got
train coming, Ralpha standing there,
you bet Tried crossing stunt myself,
y'know, at first. so could write my
synopsis better. Norton here, direc-
tor new corporation in the city.
This'll make five reel, with all the
other stuff we've"
Suddenly the Squire noticed men,
acing click click from near by. |
What's that?" he demanded
Moving picture machine. of course |
Camera mans still at It, Thinks we /
can use this for the real thing / I
guess. Been looking long time for an
father, Squire Thomas.
You wouldn't-Oh, but. Ralpha said
you wanted her to marry a prosperous
writer Great little actress she Is.
Hasn't she worked! Five year con-
'ract signed. Salary raised twice.
You wouldn't mind being my father
n-law sometime--in a picture and in
real life
"STOP!" Numbered the Squire, but
nobody seemed to hear him.