The Argosy, November 1908 — page 74: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

640 It all depended upon his unsuspecting acquaintance now. - Smithers rose, with the same air of resignation, and passed into the rear car, with a pretense of examining the aisle as he advanced. When he had_reached the seat occupied by his friend, whom he had not seen in years, he cast a furtive glance behind him to be sure that Miss Forest was not watching him, and then grasped the other’s hand in keen gratification. ‘“‘T’m in a horrible hole, Jim,” he said. “Tickets lost—girl with me whom I hope to marry—no money—only going a little way—help me out, will you?” “Surely, Smithers—glad to. much do you want?” It was a self-respecting person once more who sat down beside Miss Forest, and explained, in his most winning man- ner, that he would not have had this thing happen while with her for the world. Never had Smithers purchased articles with the enthusiasm which filled him as he handed over the necessary amount to the conductor, and received the little slips in return.: He recognized the fact, however, that the psychological moment for a proposal of marriage would not be presented on this journey, so he made the most of a now spoiled opportunity. Miss Forest was very sweet during the remainder of the ride, in her attempt to show Smithers that she forgave him. As How THE ARGOSY. they descended from the train the girl asked him to see if her friends were wait- ing for her behind the station, while she looked to see if any others of the house- party whom she knew had come by this train. The friends were there, and Smithers returned, but only to stand aghast at the sight presented to him on the little plat- form. There, in amused and animated conversation, stood Miss Forest and his benefactor of the train. They seemed not to have noticed his return, for he caught the remark from the girl: “That was a peculiar experience, in- deed; and you say your friend had no money? We had a like experience, but Mr.—”’ Smithers could stand it no longer. “Your friends are there, Miss Forest, and I will say good-by.” The blank expression on the face of Miss Forest’s companion caused that young lady to burst into a merry laugh. ‘Oh, Mr. Smithers! why didn’t you explain to me? Mr. Gordon here has done so unwittingly, never suspecting that you were with me. But it’s all right. Let me introduce him to you, Mr. Smithers; and, to show you that I for- give you, you shall be the first to hear of our engagement. We will announce it to-day.” ‘“T wish—you—here’s my train,” said Smithers brokenly, and fled. FROM FLAG TO FLAG. By ALBERT PAYSON TERHUNE. Author of ‘“ With Sealed Lips,” ‘On Glory’s Trail,” ‘‘ Their Last Hope,’ etc. An American’s strange adventures in his own country during the War of 1812, with an account of a historic achievement under fire closely woven into the fabric of the story. CHAPTER I. CHECK AND COUNTERCHECK. a ALT, there!” I favored the fellow who had stopped me with a gaze of lofty con- tempt that I have known to impose upon far wiser men. But this awkward militia sergeant was too stupid to be affected thereby. I saw that I must resort to some plainer measures. ‘You have dared to stop me without warrant or excuse,’ I said, in what I intended for cold rebuke. “ Your con- founded crew of scarecrows are point- ing their muskets at me so awkwardly that one or two of the guns are like to go off at any moment. ‘Then it may be a hanging matter for somebody.” COMICHOOKS.COMN