Year: 1879

train began to move away pressed their
hands, wished them prosperous life and
stepped from the Car, glancing, rs l went
out, ut the serene faces of the passengers,
little suspccting the horrible death that
awaited many of them that night. stood.
on the platform until the noise of the train
died away in the distance, and then went
with a heavy heart to the hotel and retired
to rest


When arose on the following morning
discovered, with much chagrin, that Lew
had taken my ovcrcoat instead of his own
AS far as the value of the coats were con-
cerned, | had lost nothing; but several of
my letters from Lcnora and some other
papers wcle in the pocket of mine, and
these did not wish to lose.


took the eight o'clock train for Clifton.
My attention was so much attracted by the
scenery that was presented to my view rs
the train sped OH its way, that soon forgot
about tho exchanged ovcrcoats.


All the day and night the train went
swiftly on its way, stopping occasionally TO
receive or deposit passengers or to obtain !;
fresh supply of water.


AS the train stopped at station few
miles from Clifton, just at the dawn of day,
| was Mortified to hear that the train taken
by Lew and his comradc had been thrown
from the track and several of the passengers
killed. dreaded to hear the particulars of
the disaster


When arrived at Clifton, the town was
much excited over the wrecked train. Full
particulars had been received, and l was
surprised TO find my own name among the
killed, | Immediately remembered the over
coats. There now remained no doubt as to
my dear friend being among the killed


My parents were saved from great agony
by my arrival home before they had learned
that my name was on the list.


After spending two doys at home once
more took passage in the stage-cOach for
Benton. There were several other passcn-
gers, and the time passed pleasantly away
during the first day and the forenoon of the
second. But then an unexpected difficulty
retarded our progress. One of the wheels
of the coach broke and had to be repaired
before we could proceed. This occupied
the remainder of that day and all the next;
SO that the evening should have been with
my Lcnora found me several miles away.


Immediately after the accident messcn-
ger was dispatched to Benton with the mail
on horseback. | was absent with two or
three others getting timber with which to
repair the broken wheel when he started,
and knew not that he was going until he
was several miles on his way. Hence |
did not send line to Lenora explaining my
failure to arrive. However, consolcd my
self by thinking that the messenger would
make matters sufficiently plain, and all
would yet be well.


On the morning of the fourth day we re-
sumed our journey. AS twilight began to
change into darkness, the coach drew up
and stopped in front of a large brick build
ing in 3enton, and the passengers alightcd
and dispersed.


walked along the street TO the residence
of Lcnora's father. knocked at the door
and was admitted. There quite an uncx-
pcctcd scene met my vision. Instead of
Lcnora and her parents meeting me with
extended hands, they did not appear con-
sciOus of my entrance Lenora sat on the
sofa, evidently panied at the contents of n
letter which she held in her hand. a pack
age Of papers lay beside her on the. sofa.
Near her sat her father and mother. I
stood for moment in utter amaZemcnt.
Not sound was to be heard save the sobs
of Lenora. In astonishment drew near to
where they sat. The young lady who ad
mittcd me into the parlor did not offer me
a seat, but advanced with me to where they
were in silence. AS drew near each face
was turned toward me. Lcnora's eyes
bcNncd one moment on me, and then she
fell ianting into my arms, her only words
being, cit is john" We laid her on bed
and administered such rcstOrativcs rs soon
produced consciousness again. While this
was transpirlng, her father uraveled the
cause of the mysterious circumstances which
had just taken place.


1t was late in the evening of that day
when they heard of the messengers arrival
with the mail. Lenora went to the office
hoping to receive letter from me explain
ing my non arrival. She received letter
and a package which she supposed to be
from me, and returned home. Her first
glance at the contents sent a pang to her
heart. 1t was from gentleman in dis
tant town, stating that John Lawrence had
been killed in the recent disaster, and
his papers and money had been sent to her.


BY the time her father had finished these
explanations, Lenora had so far revived as
to sit up and listen to my story Of the eX
changed coats, and that it was my friend,
Lew Rowland, who was killed.


We opened the package and found, be-
side my letters, over 5000 in bank notes.
wrote to one of Lewis brothers in regard
to the money; but before his reply arrived
received letter from-Lcw. Hc was
not dead, rs reported, but had only received
slight injury, from which he had rccov-
cred. He had loaned his ovcrcoat to an in
valid young man, who was killed when the
disaster occurred. AS he had on the over
coat that contained my letters and papers,
it naturally resulted in the mistake that was
made


With Lewis assistance the money was
restored to the proper parties.


A few weeks aftcrward Lenora and
were married. In the following spring we
moved out here on the farm, where we have
lived and loved ever since.