NIGHT AND STORM.

23

ious about the time. It was a long and wellfilled train, but it was greatly behind time. Thosefrom a distance had been delayed throughout alltheir journey. Those from nearer cities wereimpatient to meet their friends. To some alongtrip across the continent became an immenseand gloomy undertaking. But the passengerswere making the most of the comforts of thehour. It was a little world by itself. Men, wo-men and children were mingled together in theprecious load. Clergymen, physicians, profes-sional men, business men and travelers, youngmen and women, those from all classes and placeswere there.

In the distant east and, even, the distant west,from north and south their homes were scattered.

The continent was represented by that train.It bore the hearts of many, many friends. It wasa varied company. Each one was pursuing thatwhich best suited the varied tastes, and were be-guiling the weary hours. An unusual numberof parties had gathered to drive away care andweariness by card playing. At least five suchparties had cards in their hands at the hour of