I always told ma I wouldn't marry a great talker--there'd be one too many in the house." I groaned in anguish of spirit; I longed to see a thousand wild and painted warriors swoop down upon the train.

I thought of our peaceful dry-goods store at home, and I would gladly have sat down in another butter-tub could I have been there.

I even thought of earthquakes with a sudden longing; but we were not near enough the Western shore to hope for anything so good as an earthquake.
"I do wonder if thar's a clergyman on _this_ train," remarked the young lady, reflectively.
"Supposing there is," I burst out, in desperation, "does any one need his services?
Is anybody going to die ?" "Not as I know of," was the meaning reply, while Miss Spitfire looked at me firmly, placing her hand on her revolver as she spoke; "not if people behave as they ought--like gentlemen--and don't go trifling with an unprotected girl's affections in a railroad car." "Who--who--who's been doing so ?" I stammered.
"_You_ have, and I hold you accountable.

You've got to marry me.

I've made up my mind.