till Kate appeared.

CHAPTER VII.

THE SOLDIER'S FAMILY.

Fanny stood on the platform in front of the station-house, waiting for
the return of Kate. She had no suspicion that her friend had deserted
her, and was at that moment running away as fast as she could. The
train was approaching, and with the nervousness of one not accustomed
to travelling, she feared they might be left. The cars stopped, and
Kate did not return. Fanny rushed into the station-house in search of
her. She was not there! she was not in the building; she was not to be
seen from the open door.

Then Fanny realized that her companion's courage had failed, and that
she had deserted her. The bell on the locomotive was ringing, and the
train was in the act of starting. Fanny was quick and decisive in her
movements, and she bounded out of the building, and stepped upon the
train after it was in motion. She was angry and indignant at the
defection of Kate, and, taking a seat in the car, she nursed her bitter
feelings until her wrath had expended itself.

Kate's desertion affected the plans of the runaway, for in a few hours,
at most, what she had done, and what she intended to do, would be known
at Woodville. Mr. Long would take one of the afternoon trains for the
city, and the whole police force of the great metropolis would be on
the lookout for her before dark. Constables and policemen were now more
than ever Fanny's especial horror, and she trembled at the very thought
of being arrested for the crime she had committed.

Fanny was a girl of quick, bright parts. She had read the newspapers,
and listened to the conversation of her elders. She was better informed
in regard to the ways of the world than most young persons of her age
with no more experience. She knew all about the telegraph, and the uses
to which it was put in the detection and arrest of rogues. Though it
was hardly possible for Kate to reach Woodville, and inform the people
there where she had gone, yet circumstances might conspire against her
so as to render the telegraph available. Mr. Long might have discovered
in what direction the fugitives had gone, and followed them down to
Pennville. He might have met Kate there, and learned her destination.
It was possible, therefore, that a despatch might reach the city before
she did, and an officer be waiting for her at the railroad station.

She was too cunning to be entrapped by any such expedients; and when
the train stopped a