Year: 1868

conversation, but drawing her veil over
her face, she leaned as far back from me
as possible against the window, and was
soon fast asleep. / had now no resting
place for my sleepy head, but nearly broke
my neck trying to keep it stiff, lest my
head might perchance bob against my I'M
social neighbor.


think we had paused at two stations,
when just as they were Stacking up tor
| the third, the conductor came in looked
sharply at each seat, then approaching me,
said" This lady is wanted here


| stepped out to let her pass, and they
hurried to the door it closed with great
crash /; and by the time l had settled my
self in my old quarters the train was 60
ing at full speed. And now | wished to
make up for lost time and sleep as much
as possible, for [ knew we would reach
Chicago little before daylight where my
mother and sister were awaiting my arriv-
al at the fremont House. | had been alb
sent from home three months, and my
mother was becoming anxious about her
truant boy. She had written to apprise
me of her coming west. and hoped to have
me for an escort on her return trip. |
was quite a mothers boy, and not quite
weaned from home ties at that tin'o
So I~...~>i kook III my corner, and was
almost asleep, when my foot struck against
something hard, and looking down, l dis
covered that guitar-case partly under the
scat.


My wandering minstrel has left her
treasures after all, | thought; but | was
too sleepy TO let the thought disturb me
long. [ drew my feet upon the seat and
sank into dreamland, and did not awake
until the changed motion of the cars and
constant clang, clang of the bell, told me
we were entering the city. Opening my
heavy eyes, | was amazed, in spite of my
cramped and aching limbs to see my fellow
sufferers trying to bring themselves to life
again. The bended necks we're straight
ened, and the broad shoulders that had
been such willing pillows for pretty heads
during the long ride, now shook themselves
thoroughly and become as hard and square
as if no loving head had ever used them );
and busy little hands were at work adjust
ing the pretty heads, putting them in order,
trying on hats and bonnets Anxious
mothers were shaking up their sluggards
Whimpering children were searching for
lost treasures under seats. Men were
clutching at canes, umbrellas, valises, &c.


EVERYBODY was awake now, and eager to
get out | was so nelr the door that it did
not take me long to make my escape |
think l was first one to reach the plat
form; and valise in hand | was rushing
into the depot, as we had to pass through
it to reach the row of omnbuses on the
other side, when | was annoyed by hand
on my shoulder indeed, almost clutching
it, and voice in my ear saying Not
SO. fast my fine fellow if you please


9" [ did not feel the insult at the mo-
ment; [ only dreaded any delay, as
wished to get to my hotel, find barber
and make myself presentable before break
fast time, when | should meet my mother
and sister. So | only said | c2n't
stop now, sir, am in haste


- So | see, but you must wait to an
swer few questions, nevertheless, said
the man still holding on to me.


At this | became angry and tried to
sI.~I.o hin. 0G, but it was in vain and
he led, or rather dragged me into small
room in the depot, first calling TO a man
behind US to follow closely 1t was ntill
quite dark out of doors, and the room we
entered was bat dimly lighted. | could
Just make out that the man who followed
us carried long box under his arm.


"'Now, said my tormenter, answer me
truly-Why did you hasten away so fast,
and leave this box under your seat?


Box exclaimed, | left no box.
This is all had in the car, holding up a
valise.


The man looked pale and seemed ter
ribly excited as he spoke. never taking his
hand from my shoulder, as he said. You
must tell the truth, can soon call po-
/ licemen, but do not wish to create row
/ if l can help it. | am acting as conductor
just now-only came on board at Blue
Island, where the regular conductor wish
ed to stop this morning. | walked through
the cars when | took his place, and noticed
you sleeping in seat alone, your ticket
in your hat band so | did not disturb you
but | watched you leaving in haste, and as
turned over the seat you had left, found
this box as the brakeman, who was with
me can testify he has it now why did
you leave it there?


i burst out laughing at this, and said
What fuss is this you are trying to make
A lady who sat with me part of the
night, did leave her guitar case, [ think
| This is no guitar-case, he said stern
/ ly we took one peep at it /; you can dc
the same


" As he spoke, the brakeman advanced
and by that dim light l did take a peep
as he unfastened the hooks, opened the one
old fashioned guitar-case, and displayed
the form of a murdered infant, not a yeal
old, with a CHASTITY cash across its white
throat, and large drops of blood on its whit,
slip. | staggered to seat and covered
the lid, not daring to look again, and
almost ptied the wretched mother who hac
thus tried to thrust her guilt upon me
No wonder the conductor looked pale and
the rough brakeman trembled. Sues
sights are not seen every day."


90 Well, what are we to do about it ?
asked the conductor. You see | canno
let you 90 free with this on our hands
shall | call a policeman at once?' h
asked me almost hopelessly.


81 Let me think for a moment l replied
and let me thank you for your forbearance
You do not believe me guilty, that l Cal
see; but I also know that this thing mus
be explained


Put that box down, do said the con
ductor, and cover it up with that rug il
the corner-it is too horrible.


With bowed head | tried to think wha
course to pursue. I had so few acquain
tances in Chicago, and only one mall
friend, and he lived away out on the nortl
side; but 1 must send for him at once.


must meet my mother that morning, ant
| this dreadful thinn must not come to he