gathering twilight Bucholz was in excellent spirits
and in great good humor, and as they neared their dwelling they
discovered Sadie slightly in advance of them, with her skates under
her arm, returning from the lake, where she had been spending the
afternoon in skating. William, with a view of having a laugh at the
expense of the young lady, when within a short distance of her, drew
a revolver which he carried, and discharged it in the direction in
which she was walking. The girl uttered a frightened scream, but
William's mocking laughter reassured her, and after a mutual laugh at
her sudden fright the three proceeded merrily to the house.

It was now time for William to go to the station for his master, who
was to return that evening, and he started off to walk to the train,
reaching there in good time, and in advance of its arrival.

Soon the bright light of the locomotive was seen coming around a
curve in the road, the shrill whistle resounded through the wintry
air, and in a few minutes the train came rumbling up to the station,
when instantly all was bustle and confusion.

Train hands were running hither and thither, porters were loudly
calling the names of the hotels to which they were attached, the
inevitable Jehu was there with his nasal ejaculation of "Kerige!"
while trunks were unloaded and passengers were disembarking.

Bright eyes were among the eager crowd as the friendly salutations
were exchanged, and merry voices were heard in greeting to returning
friends. Rich and poor jostled each other in the hurry of the moment,
and the waiting servant soon discovered among the passengers the form
of the man he was waiting for.

The old gentleman was burdened with some purchases of provisions
which he had made, and in an old satchel which he carried the necks
of several bottles of wine were protruding. Assisting him to alight,
Bucholz took the satchel, and they waited until the train started
from the depot and left the trackway clear. The old man looked
fatigued and worn, and directed Bucholz to accompany him to a saloon
opposite, which they entered, and walking up to the bar, he requested
a couple of bottles of beer for himself and servant. This evidence of
unwonted generosity created considerable wonderment among those who
were seated around, but the old gentleman paid no attention to their
whispered comments, and, after liquidating his indebtedness, the two
took up their packages and proceeded up the track