prang over the ditch that lay on the
mountain side of the track and wound along the base of the hill to the
level beyond where the train had stopped. After they were gone the three
remaining men proceeded to discuss the situation. The old gentleman
mentioned that he was one of the directors of the road, and therefore
felt a degree of responsibility in our unfortunate circumstances;
moreover, as a man, he could not think of leaving three helpless women
to take care of themselves in such a dilemma, and he was sure the young
men must share this feeling; to which appeal they gave a hearty assent.
As neither of my companions seemed ready to speak, I ventured to thank
the gentlemen for their kindness, and to ask what we could do to lighten
their task--whether we could not go to some house near by, or even walk
back to Corning. But the brisk little milliner exclaimed, "I know the
whole road, and there isn't a house anywhere in this neighborhood. About
a mile back there is one in sight, but it is away over marshes and
fields, and the road is built so high up that we can't possibly get down
the bank; besides, it's a poor little hut when you get there, and I
don't believe the people could take us in."

Here the widow burst out crying, and the gentlemen, taking up the
parable, said that we could not walk to Corning. A good part of the way
the road was built over marshes and laid only upon timbers, so that we
might easily meet with some accident; besides, six miles in such a
snowstorm, and with empty stomachs! No, it was not to be thought of.

They went out to see what could be done, and we awaited their decision
in great anxiety, the widow bemoaning her fate and wishing she had never
begun the journey, and the milliner rehearsing numerous other
misfortunes which had befallen the Blossburg train when she had been a
passenger; not one of which, however, had proved such a "fix" as we were
in now.

Before long the Judge returned, calling out in a cheerful voice, "We
have it! We are going to put you into the hinder baggage-car, and give
you a ride back to Corning. So pick up your traps and follow me: it is
only a few steps through the snow, and then you will be as snug as
possible."

We gladly followed our leader out of the cold, dismal car, and he helped
us, one after another, over the narrow passage separating the track from
the ditch, until we came to the open space between the train and the
baggage-car, which the young men had