d 218 coupled to the connecting train, and in an hour we were back on the main line. While waiting for the overland to arrive, Mr. Cullen asked

knocked his son up so, that he had to be helped from the ordinary sleeper to the special and had gone to bed immediately. Out West we have to know something of medicine, and my car had its chest of drugs: so I took some tablets and went into his state-room. Frederic was like his brother in appearance, though not in manner, having a quick, alert way. He was breathing with such difficulty that I was almost tempted to give him nitroglycerin, instead of strychnine, but he said he would be all right as soon as he became accustome

ere the rest of the party were still at dinner, to ask that the invalid have a strong cup of coffee, and after delivering my request Mr. Cullen asked me to join them in a cigar. This I d

y of a railroad superintendent would hardly stand the game they probably played; and I had my compensation when Miss Cullen also was not asked to join them. She said she was going to watch the moonlight on th

. Cullen explained, "and then we sha'n't h

en, "and the flagman is only there after we ar

ment, Madge," insisted Mr. Cu

97 is entirely at your service, Miss Cullen." The moment it was out I realized that I o

the offer as kindly as my intention had been in making it, wh

he discomfort of being the last car, and ye

had heard. Lord Ralles scowled and opened his mouth to say something, but

ed Miss Cullen, "but I thi

ritably. "You might just as well have the pleasure,

ity, Mr. Gordon," and after a glance at Lord Ralles that had a challenging "I'll do as I please" in it, she went to get her hat and coat. The whole incident had not taken ten seconds, yet it puzzled me beyond measure, even while my heart beat with an unreasonable hope; for my better sense told

rtably as I could, even getting a traveling-rug to cover her lap, for the plateau air was chilly. Then I hesitated a moment, for I had the feeling that she had not thoroughly approved of the thing and therefore she m

e comfortable

so," she

your meditations by yourself?" I questioned. I knew I ought to have

nt to go?"

ump in her chair. "That is-I mean," I stuttered, embarrassed by m

u think that?

ing for some reason, I plumped out, "Because I feared you might not think it

ns and moonlight, Mr. Gordon, and don't mind the lack of a chaperon, get a stool for yours

om this I learned that her elder brother was an Oxford graduate, and that Lord Ralles and his brother were classmates, who were visiting him for the first time since he had graduated. She asked me some questions about my work,

of it before! But, you see, Mr. Colston always speaks of y

he old team-men who couldn't keep their word or their tempers, and would slug eve

ely to live out here, away

en," I said, "I hadn't seen a well-gowned woman in four years." I've always noticed that a woman would rather have a man noti

en ever get Easter

s the artistic touch." For a fellow who had devoted the last seven years of his life to grades and fuel and

ld be talking yet, if interruption had not come. The first premonition of it

ied. "I only-what plac

said, "Don't trouble yourself. I thought you would

minutes past twelve. I wasn't so green as to tell Miss Cul

op long?"

anced off, expecting to recognize something, only to see alkali plain on both sides. A little surprised, I looked down, to find no siding. Rising hastily, I looked out forward. I could see moving figures on each side of the tra

he matter?" as

he roadbed, Miss Cullen," I said, "and, if you'

re both fired from an English "express" my ears told me for no othe

ed when "crack! crack! crack!

it?" cried

answered hurriedly. "We are being held u

as to be almost simultaneous. "Crack! crack! crack!" retorted the Winchesters, and from the fact th