The weekly Butte record., 1861-12-14


creasiug rate Of speed that we were unwilling
ly obliged to travel faster as well. We shouted
and tried to attract attention from her driver
but in vain, and we presently began to think
that something must be wrong. At length
Mark whispered, Charley, you may take my
word for II that's the governor, and he's mad
drunk Like enough he's got on the first en-
CINE that came to hand, and don't know at
this moment if he's on the up or down line or
what he's doing-he's the very devil after he's
been drinking. Here was pleasant situation.
at was Just on the stroke of S o'clock; in
another ten minutes at iarthest the up express
would pass Alonby ou its way to Conlston
before u.s. therefore, was the certainty of coils
ion, and behind US an engine already running
at great rate which increased with every
minute, and driven by a man mad drunk
what was TO be done 1t was case which
moments are precious, and decision mus be
the work of second Of time.
- Let US run for Allonby' said Mark. at
once, with his hand upon the regulator
" Keep the whistle open all the way, and trust
in Providence they'll hear it, and have time
and sense TO shunt us to the down before the
express runs through"
q was for less vigorous measures. Some
thing assured me that Mark was right, and
that the engine behind US was driven by Hb-
bard in the state of intoxicalion out fancied
that however drunk he might be he would yet
not be so utterly insane as to persist in rushing
against certain destruction, provided we could
make him understand his danger so lpropos-
ed that we should sacken and let him overtake
US, then climb upon the Swallow and by
persuasion or force induce him TO return. All
this and much more passed between US in far
fewer seconds than | take minutes to tell 1t
you in fact, the whole affair was succession
of such rapid action following upon decisions
so swift that | find it impossible to give you
the faintest idea of the startling suddenness
with which the circumstances crowded 90 each
other. For a moment Mark thinking doubt
less more of his father than himself-approved
of my suggestion, and we slackened speed. By
this time both engines were running at
perfectly lrightlul velocity, and the Swallow
almost instantly overhauled US. No sooner did
ber buffers touch ours than Mark flung himself
upon his fathers engine. | watched him
Chamber along the boiler till lost the outline
Of his figure in the darkness. A minute of
unspeakable suspense followed, during which
the Swallow held on her rapid speed. l now
did all | could TO impede her progress. | shut
steam and screwed my breaks down till they
were one sheet of flame, but still the hinder
engine drove me forward. At length. after
what seemed whole hour TO me, l heard
above the din of the open whistle a succession
of yes, mingled with hoarse curses. l closed
the handle a moment to listen and soon felt
certain that fearful struggle was going on
between Hibberd,and his son. I caught at the
Swallow, pulled myself on to her, and climbed
as fast as | could toward the footplate. Half
way along the boiler l met Mark returning
reckless.
On to your engine he screamed, " and run
for Alonby"
This was enough for me; it was no time
to ask or answer questions, and another second
or two saw US both upon the Firefy'-breaks
up, whistles open, and all steam Oh. We drew
quickly away from our companion; but the
few minutes of delay had frightlulIy diminished
our chances of safety.
1t was so dark that [ could not clearly see
Marks face, bat knew from the disturbed
appearance of bis clothes there had been
tusse, and I said simply, Well, Mark p
While speaking, opened the fire door and as
the red CLEAN burst out started in renewed
horror, for his whole face neck, and hands
were covered with blood.
60 It's my own Charley he whispered and
even while be spoke, with the certainty of an
awful death before him. the noble fellows eyes
filed as he added, God help my poor father
he's seen his last drunken spree this night
"In buried words be told me that upon
reaching the foot plate of the engine he found
Hibberd alone. and raging drunk that he had
made an effort to reverse the Swallows gear
and in order 10 do so put bis hand upon the
starting lever This fairly maddened Hibberd,
who few upon him before he could accomplish
his object and commenced the brief but deadly
struggle l had heard. Mark was powerless in
his fathers strong hands, and, and escaped
almost by a miracle from being dashed off on
to the line by blow which felled him. In
the fall his head was cut open against some OF
the iron work, and he was forced TO return as
I have described without gaining his end But
no kind of danger made the brave lad blench.
and his eyes darkened and his teets set as, with
hand upon the whistle, he strained forward for
a glimpse of Allouby signals As for me, /
grew sick | took out my watch for what
feared was the last time, glanced at the hands,
and then sat down on the tool-box, covered my
face, and wept bitter tears as thought Of the
father at home who was 50 proud OF me, and
the mother whom loved so dearly. A touch
Of Marks reused me. | looked at the dial
aeain, but could not read the figures he took