The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1861-11-06
NUMBER A.

teIl III you IN ldcl, Inc WnOle affair was
succession Of such rapid action following
npon decisions so swift that find it impos-
sible to give you The fainiest idea of the
startling suddenness with which The cir
cumstances crowded on each olher For a
moment Mark thinking, doubtless, more of
his father than himself-approved of my
suggestion; ard we sIackened speed By
this time both engines were running al a
perfectly frightful velocity, and the ''Swal.
low" almost instantly overhauled us No
sooner did her 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 dark
ness minute OF unspeakable suspense
followed, during which the "Swallow' held
on her rapid speed. 1 now did all | could
10 impede her progress. shut of steam
and screwed my breaks down till they were
one sheet OF fame, but still the hinder en-.
CINE drove me forward. at length. after
what seemed hole hour to me, heard
above The din of the open whistle success
sion OF yels mingled with hoarse curses -
closed The handle moment to listen, and
soon fel, certain that fearful struggle was
going on between Hibberd and his son.
caught a, The Swallow" pulled myself
on TO her, and climbed as fast as ] could
toward the foot-plate. Half way along the
boiler met Mark returning, reckless.
On 10 your engine" he screamed, "and
run io' Allonby y
This was enough for me; il was TO time
to ark or answer questions, and another'sec-
oud oriwo saw us both upon the "Firefiy"
breaks up, whistle open, and all steam
on. We drew quickly away from our com.
pauion bot the few minutes of delay had
frishttuily diminished our chances of safety.
II was go dark that could not clearly see
Marks face, bot knew from the disturbed
appearance of his cloths there had been a
tussel, and ! said simply, "Well, Mark 3"
While speaking, opened the fire door, and
as The red gleam burst ont, | started in re-
newed horror. for his whole face, neck and
hands were covered with blood.
It's my own, Charley be whispered
and even while he spoke; with the certain
ty of an awful death before him, The noble
fellows eye filled as he sdded, fGold help
nay poor father ! he's seen his last drunken
spree this night"
In hurried words he told me that on reach
ing the foot-pate OF the engine he found
Hibbefd alone, and raging drunk that he
had made an effort 20 reverse the sSwal-
lows" gear, and in order TO do so put his
hand upon the starring lever This fairly
maddened Hibberd, who flew upon him
before he could accomplish his object, and
commenced the brief but deadly struggle I
had heard. Mark was powerless in his
fathers strong hands, and escaped almost
hy miracle from being dashed of on 10
The line by blow which felled him In
the fail his head was cut open against soms
OF the iron work, and he was forced 10 re-
torn as have described without gaining his
end. Bot no kind OF danger made the brave
lad blench, aud his eyes darkened and his
teeth set as with hand apon The whistle, he
strained forward for a glimpse of Allonby
signals. As for me, grew sick took out
my watch for what feared was the last
time, glanced al the hands, and then sat
down upon the tool box, covered my face,
and wept bitter tears as l thought of the
father al home VITO was so proud OF me,
and the mother whom loved so dearly
A toach of Marks reused me. ! looked at
the dial again, but could not read the fig
ures he took the watch from my hand,
and his voice was quite steady as he said
Another two minutes for US Charley,
and there are Alonby signals"
We had been travelling only eight min
utss since we first knew our danger, but
what an age it seemed ! remember he
was handing me back the watch when his
hand touched mine, and felt him start as
if shot. The next instant he clasped me
tight by the wrist, and whispered in my
ear. 'The red lamps It's all over. God
save my poor father" Again, though, he
spoke oct strong and clear, "Hold tight 10
me, Charley, and when | say The word, i,
jump for your life" We stood a moment
poising ourselves upon the oscilating en-
Siuoi theu he eHOutSus INo" anu SPiduS-
was nervous, my foot slipped, and | tell
along the ioot-plate of the engine. In an
instant there horrible grinding crash,
dazzling fash of igh, before my eyes,
huge heave upward and onward, then
blackness OF darkness and insensibility.
Six weeks afterwards ! was sufficiently
recovered from brought on by my
injuries and the excitement of that night
to hear the sequel of The story. Beyond a
broken leg and rio had escaped unhurt.-
Violent inflammation, accompanied by delir-
ium, had however, greatly retarded my con.
valescence.