The train sped on, each moment taking 1 it farther away
from the hot city, each moment nearer the cool breezes of the
rivers and mountains, each moment bringing nearer another
year’s work for Ralph.
The novel was interesting. The hero, as in days of old
when knighhood flourished, had rescued the heroine from a
terrible death, had been caught while she escaped, and was
now about to suffer death in her stead. He was bound
hand and foot, while a weight began to bear down upon his
shoulders. Suddenly Ralph opened his eyes and found that he
had been dozing, while to his utmost surprise and thankful
ness he found the massive weight about to crush him only
the golden haired head of his fair companion, who, overcome
by the rich, warm country air and a dreary story, had quiet
ly fallen asleep. It is needless to say Ralph was surprised
—very a.greeably for that matter—and he thanked his “lucky
star” there was no college chums “to tell the boys” of this
episode; he concluded to await developments and so he re
sumed his reading, which, however, progressed slowly.
Suddenly the train dashed through a deep cut, past a
noisy side-tracked freight, and across a long iron bridge over
the river. The noise caused his heavy burden to awake
with a start. She looked horrified into his face and gasped
“Oh ! I beg your pardon—l really had no idea I was sleep
ing—please don't think I did it intentionally—l—. ” “What
do you say to going back on the observation car, as we are
missing some fine scenery ?” Ralph interrupted. She, thank
ful for his suggestion and the chance to hide her embarrass
ment from him and the staring passengers quickly arose
and handing him her wrap, led the way back through the
train to the rear platform, leaving behind a group of mysti
fied passengers, including a horrified old maid, and a fat
man trying to bet the brakeman that the eyes of the passing
girl were blue.
The train was now winding along the banks of the river
and the girl, after they had found seats, became absorbed in