Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-05-03

sit there, ifyou please, Mr.. Atwatcr.
I wOnJercd hut cOn,ulipd and cnro,y

| SVUhc vieuSdutiy.
We'll, Macleod. shall we put on steam
and drive ahead 2
NO. Mr.. Carcw,' said the Scotchman
coldly and firmly. Either we run out on
the side rack three miles ahead, as I have
explained, or leave the engine
But why are you SO determined y ask
ed.
i don't conceive it my business to ans
wer any of vOur questions, Francis Atwa-
ter said Macleod, but have no ohjcc
ton to crafty your curiosity. am 'so de
termined' because see further than YOU
or Mr.. Carew here, and see danger-dan
ger"
How.
You practical engineer, and ask where
is the danger Oh such a night as this. with
the Lightning Express close behind, and
we twenty. five minutes after our time
Boy, do you know that we are responsible
not only for Atwater and Carew and John
Macleod, but for all the passengers on
this train Do you want the sin OF murder
on your soul |!
He spoke in sharp voice that was alunos,
a scream.
That is not the question: said Carew.
and all nonsense besides. Isn't the light
hung out behind. and can't vou tell when
we are gaining or tossing time! Once for
all, will you or will You not do your best
to gain time aud keep ahead Of the Light
ming ?
Mo- will noE he answered. sullenly
Very we'll, here is a substitute that will
Make room for Mr.. Atwatcr!'
He can do as he pleases,' said Mac
L,od, stiffiy, rising to yield me his place
L wash INV hands Of the whole thing, now
and hereafter. Bear witness. Carew and
Atwater. thatT protest against this rash
and fool hardy .hing!'
Not a wOld more did he utter, hut sal
down silent and rigida a galvanized corps,
watching me with his dcep-set eyes until
the. very cOsciOusness OF that steady sur
veillancc made me uncomfortable. I'm
comfortable, but not nervous. l never, in
! the whole course Of my life, was more en-
tirely in possession of all my faculties, or
more composed than at that moment, rs
mechanically examined screws and valves
and satisfied myself as to the correctness Of
every detail. All was right; Macleod
was good engineer if not an agrecabl.
companion.
Now then, my Lady 4 said to myself
well see if you keep up all your pluck!
turned to give some directions to the
fireman and when | was about to sit down
Macleod seized my arm.
| Not there, tell you not there!'
Aud why not tlierer demanded, with
a mOmentary fear crossing my mind that
the man was dcranged.
Because another already occupies the
place. he cried in the shrill, shrckims
voice he often used when much excited. -
Death is a passenger on this train with us
and Death sits there ghastly and still No
| know you don't see him; but second sight
is a gift in the family | come from, and
see hun. would have warded off his fell
errand, hut you-you and that cursed
Carew wouldn't let me. Now 60 your owl
mad reckless way. and see where 1t VII
bring you. And remember. Frank Atwate
chat is is not your own worthless lite tina
hangs in the balance hut the lives OF al
who travel on this train.,'
Argument with IL man in this excite,
frame of mind would have been but folly.
sat down without u word. smiling in spite
Of myself. and resumed my intent super
vision of the engine while Macleod sa
silently by with folded arms.
NcNcI ulu Lut '''' "
finer mcttle than on that night The
machinery was perfect, the cralIks wei
oiled, the heat steady am; intense. The
fireman worked in concert with me- fully
comprehcndng my intentions, and the
Lady. rushed over the rails like living.
breathing thing. -,
How are You getting along. Frank
asked Carew, coming toward with his lah'
tern as we left our first stopping place.
oh, splenddly.' answered.
Il have just telegraphed back t." Seld-
town; we have gained five minu es on the
Lightning already.
1 thought we were gaining replied
quietly. But was 81 very much excited
The idea Of pressing this magnificent piece
of machinery to its utmost speed ot eluu-
ing the tightening pursuit ot the express
which followed-pursued us; of identity
| ing NV own nerves and sinews with the IRON
aud steel of the Lady Franklin was cX
citing in ITSELF nor had MacLeOd's wild talk
been entirely without effect on me. | was
not superstiious hu we all knew the mes
,neric effect which the strong belief ol
another person however iliiOundc0 that
belief NAV he, invariably eyerts upon tht
| mind. That Macleod firmly believed that
he and I were alone in this little glaze,!
compartment entertained no doubt; aud
his horror reacted upon me- baselesS
though knew it to be.
Il wish we were at b, l Thought
leaning my elbows Oh the wood WI ano
gazing out into the stormy night athwa''
which our huge headlight threw stream
ing banner OF lurid light as it rushed along
At this ms .ant my shoulder was touched.
.Atwater,' said Macleod, in husky, un'
natural voice, Ii you have any prayers t.
say, say them now. Death Is very very
near to you"
A cold chill ran through me.
L am always prepared 10 meet DEATH
I answered, trying to speak eonposediy'
Death! yes, hut not death by suicide
You will ne a suicide Francis Atwater
nor do | wish longer to intefere' The
hour of grace past.
OH Macleod. don't talk nonsense. G'
back in the baggage car and sleep the l'I
u0r off.
Liquor! You think I'm drunk You
take me to be supcrstitious. ! heard you
Il heard YOU talking t" her f"n'd hes
keep clear of her. young man. You SCI
this, ell! and rs drew huge kntc from, hi
bosom.
Yes. see it. I answered laying my han'
on the brake, as il could use itfor defense
with this | could have silcnced you Ion!
ago, and sared the victims you are uov
sacrticiug But prefer not. What is t.
he is tu be as well might endsavor T.