The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-07-01


sort of noise, and of a saving of the air
with my arms occasionally-b what
other remarks made l have no distinct
remembrance. l have just the slightest
recollection that the words "Pacific Rail-
road" escaped my lips at about every all
ternate respiration, and of feeling that
great responsibility rested upon me which
| must discharge at all hazards.
was bidding my friends goodbye at
the cerner, under the street lamp, the rays
from which had but sorry effect in dis
pelling the darkness around We rallied
around the lamp post with devotion
earnest, if not praiseworthy. Among us
all it was the firmest and most upright
placidly it witnessed our repeated hand-
shaklngs and participated in our embra ces,
seemingly determined TO be the last to
leave. But it appeared TO me TO be re-
markably tactiturn, for it stoIidly refused
to express any opinion or the Pacific
Railroad, or to respond to many invita-
tions to take drink. / remember, after
awhile, of hearing the words "move on !"
but cannot say whether they came from
the lamp-post or were but the wailings of
the passing evening wind. l have dim
recollection of parting from my compan-
ions, and of going off solitary and alone
in one direction while they disappeared 10
another.
Then there was hiatus, as it were, of
unconsciousness, until the shrill shout of
the brakeman announced, "Altoona-fiC-
I
my seat, shook myself, and mingled with
the crowd, as they entered the refresh
ment room. After satisfying 'the inner
man." | returned to the car, and we sped
on westward. | did not remember how
got aboard in the city, but l knew that
men do rational things when iebriated, all
though they have no recollection of their
actions. One thing appeared TO me cer>
tain, as we advanced, and that was that
| had through ticket on the express
train. | had heard of fast travelling, but
this was the ne Plus ultra OF lOconotion.
Space and time were alike annihiated-
we seemed TO he riding on lightning
flash. Days and nights seemed TO be
blended together like black and white
beads whirling past our eyes. Out of the
suburbs of one city, into the streets of an
other. Chicago and Omaha saw Us for
2 second, and on we went, straight ahead,
as If our mission was TO girdie the earth
in five minutes
What wonder is it that my brain was
in a wbirl and my senses confused I And
could keep, in my exultation at this
evidence OF the wonderfully progressive
spirit Of the age, from giving yell of de-
light
But as shouted, heavy hand was
laid upon my shoulder, and in grutf tones
| was admonished TO be quiet.
''We are passing through dangerous
country, and The Indians are thick and
fcrocious.''
1 became aware that our speed was
slackening, and looked up and around.
| saw that only one car comprised the
| train, of which | was the sole inside occu-
/ pant, for all the rest of the passengers were
/ crowded on the rear and front platforms,
| apparently attracted by something to the
! right of US l looked out of the window
! and could see a black mass in the distance,
which gradually developed itself as a
|
! there was a shrek, and the same grutf
voice heard before, evidently that of the
| conductor, called out;
"My God its Indians-I thought it
was the Board Of Trade of San + rancisco.
! We must get ]"
l sprang from the seat, but was imme
diatcly jerked back by the quick, des3er-
ate movement of the train. like the kick
of gun. The engineer had thrown the
reins over the neck of the iron horse and
! it plunged ahead with all its muscles free.
| scrambled again from my seat and stood
in the middle of the car, steadying myself
as best | could by the back of the seats.
| Not soul beside myself was in the car
the platforms were deserted was alone,
| staggered to the front door and looked
out. Great Heavens the coupling had
broke, and the engine and tender and all
that had been before me were out of sight.
The car had been going fast, but saw
that its momentum was expending. l
glanced out of window and beheld, to
nv horror, group of mounted savages
within a stones throw. 1 sprang to the
door, opened it, and leaped from the plat
form on the left side, hoping to make my
legs do me some service. But [ unfor-
tunately stumbled and fell senseless among
some loose rocks lying along the track.
On top of an upright post, about eight
feet high, was nailed strip of pine board
bearing the legend, in letters of black :
"Promontory Point" That was what
my eyes first rested upon as my beclouded
senses became clear again. was sitting
on little grass plot, while quite number
of painted Indians were around me and in
the vicinity. Within few yards in front
/ of where / was, ran railroad track,
which second thought told me must be
that of the s'Pacific." A few shantiea
! ,rzere In the neighborhood. but not the