It seemed as if only a few bewildered minutes had passed when someone ejaculated, "McAdam Junction!" and the friendly brakeman was beside her. She felt herself lifted from her seat, bundle and all, and swung to a platform, where she stood among a group of people. She did not know where to go or what to do, and remained as one in a dream until some one touched her shoulder.
"You the little girl carried beyond your station?"
"Yes, sir," she gasped, and looked up into the pleasant face of a young man bending over her.
"All right; the conductor told me about you. Come in here," and he led the way to a waiting-room. "Had your breakfast?"
"No, sir, but I've got it here," and she pulled Ruth Ann's parcel out of her pocket.
The young man smiled and motioned it back. "Come have some hot coffee," and he passed through a doorway into an eating-room, where 'Tilda Jane presently found herself seated before a steaming cup of coffee, and a plate of beefsteak and potatoes.
"I ain't got any money to pay for this," she said, bluntly, to the young woman who set the tempting viands before her.
"That's all right," said the girl, smiling.
'Tilda Jane picked up her knife and fork. "All right!" seemed to be a railway expression. It was immensely comforting to her, and she soberly partook of the hot breakfast, drank all her coffee, and emptied the scraps from her plate into her handkerchief. Then she approached the counter where the young woman stood.
"Thank you kindly, ma'am. I've made a good meal."