White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1930-09-12
CHAPTER IIl-Continued

They talked about everything but
the weather, which proved at once
that they were unusual people. Linda
discovered at once that her companion
was from Oregon; that he was going
to Washington and would be there for
month or two. She discovered other
things-charming things about him.
That he liked dogs better than auto
mobiles and the morning before seven
O'clock; that he preferred simple flow
ers and the mountains to the sea.
1t began to grow cold in the coach.
Outside was dense wall of white
ness, and by straining necks dim
glimpses of shapeless things might be
4had-a house buried under snow or
the twisted form of a tree. grotesquely
burgeoning Passengers huddled in
wraps and rugs, and their grumbles
grew louder as the air became staler
would you like to walk little?"
Brian asked, and Linda assented
eagerly.
But as they were starting he made
her return to her section.
"You can't 60 into snow dressed like
that" He was looking so sternly at
her slim, suede clad feet that Linda
broke into gay laughter. He laughed
with her, and this put them on an in
formal basis. He turned to his own
section and unbuckled bag, return.
ing presently with pair of dark red
morocco slippers and a couple of
scarfs. Linda put out her little feet
and allowed him to fasten the moe
casins upon them with a few efficient
swirls of the scarves
"You tie beautiful knots" she said.
but it is a shame to spoil your nice
scarf-rhat blue one especially"
She was surprised at her own docil-
ity cup of hot tea and two or
three pillows would have been more
to her taste, but there she was. STUN
bling along through the snow With
her feet done up like bundles.
"If we keep to the beaten path It
will be easier. ! think" he said, and
noyed at her own clumsy progress.
The prospect outside was not very
good. People were running about help
lessiy giving advice that nobody heard.
but the train crew was taking 1t very
easily; they knew that human power
could do little against the tremendous
force of nature that opposed them.
The snow. banked higher than the en-,
CINE, resisted every effort to pene
trate It, There was something aloofiy
contemptuous about that impassivity
The great black bulk of machinery, so
devastating in its flights stood ap-
palled. like shiny beetle drawing in
its claws.
Brian Anstey talked to the train
men. They answered courteously. not
ignoring him as they had some of the
9th
Linda heard all that was said The
train could not move until the snow
plows came, and that might not he
until the following day. for the storm
had been worse farther along the line
and there were other tie-nps
Iindas teeth were already chatter
ing, and the terrible cold found and
seized upon her body beneath her furs
At that moment her spirit was low
indeed. The delay would disarrange
her plans hopelessy. The chances OF
month at Miami. delightfully."- cared
for by the Gregsons. was gone glitn
mering She tried 10 adjust her mind
to this misfortune. but her Thoughts
refused to coaguate. Physical dis.
comfort dwarfed all her mental proc.
esses
"IIow stupid | am" she thought
angrily give been in worse predica
ments than this Some way will he
found" But still she felt like desc
lated child.
The strange young man with the
kind eyes was speaking to her. I've
secured place for you on the sledge."
he said. I'VE must go back and get
your hand luggage" He spoke in the
same quiet, sure way that had accom-
olished tho morocco slippers and
again she yielded to his suggestion.
But when she was settled in the
ungainly conveyance with hail dozen
women. all whimpering, she found
that Brian Anstey was going. too. He
stood on the step and talked to the
driver. occasionally Jumping off to