The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1870-01-15

few seconds. Don't sleep all dav. You know
We had to run all last night" apologized Franz
now thoroughly awake.
Quick, the train is losing speed: steam down
below hundred" shouted Carl, opening the
furnace door.
A stream OF light lit up the pale, haggard face
OF Franz, rs he ben. down to throw some wood
| upon the fire.
"Poor man l think I'll let his neglect pass
II report him he'll be discharged. and he'll
starve" nurlfUred Carl, again casting his looks
forward.
Soon the train increased in speed, for on that
part of the road the snow was only a few inches
deep. Presently lights appeared in the distance,
! three lights above each other First they looked
like the fain: CLEAN of stars, then, as the train
approached nearer, they grew larger and larger
they were the signal lights of the halfway
station. Again the whistle belched forth its
shrill scream, as the train slowly moved into the
station house
Two minutes too late, engineer" cried gruft
voice.
We've had to push through the deep snow,
SIR humbly said Carl, and then he whispered
into Franz's ear: Its your fault"
''For the sake of my poor wife and babe, don't
denounce me- cane from the quivering lips Of
the fireman.
"Mum's the word this time,' answered Carl.
Franz gave him look of thanks.
whats that whispering, fellows? Quick,
come down and switch Off the Eagle. The en-.
gineer of the Vienna is sick, and you will have
| to ran the train to D."
"But have TO return" demonstrated Carl
| "No butts. You will have to go. We have no
objection ii you don't wish TO run the Vienna,
but If you don't run her, then you out of the
company's employ Saying this, the station
master walked away.
'Give my love to my wife, Franz. Tell her
not to wait for me, for I won't return till seven
in the morning" said Carl to his fireman.
"Who is going to take back this locomotive ?"
asked Franz.
Jacobs. think. He's coming on the down
train, which will be due within minute" re-
piled Carl, looking at the large illuminated clock
above the Office door.
Two minutes after, Carl was again on the road
The air was now much warmer, for the train had
left the high plateau, and was speeding through
a large valley below. The light of the engine
lantern was white thus showing by its color that
no other train followed. The heavy freight trains
approached and passed by on the opposite rails.
Upon this part Of the road double-track was
laid.
Carl gave the usual signals, and on through
the darkness sped the locomotive and it's train of
passenger cars.
'Lool ahead, Carl"
Good God what fearful sight met his gaze
4 faint red light was approaching on the same
track. y cold shiyer ran through his body as he
grasped the reversing bar. Cold sweat broke out
upon his forehead when lac found that the lever
would not move. Nearer and nearer came the
light. Carl could scarcely grasp the whistle
string At last he gave it pull. "Down
brakes" sounded the whistle Then he pushed
down the throttle valves
Still the train was rushing toward the fatal
danger signal. Carl found to his horror that
something was wrong in tie mechanism of the
valve. Should ne jump off the locomotivef"
came through his mind as he once cast rapid
glance towards the fast approaching light
Again he tried the reversing bar. 1t moved
'Thank God There is yet time TO save the
lives Of the many passengers"
Slower and slower now moved the train. At
last 1t came to malt close to the edge of yawn-
ing guilt.
Carl heard the roaring river, saw the open
drawbridge. saw the PROSTATE form Of a mar,
laying within the blood red rays of the signal
laterns, heard the cries AVID shouts OF number
OF people, then he remembered no more. When
he awoke he found himself laying upon his bed
and his wife bending over him
The cause of the open drawbridge was ex.
planned to him. About ten minutes before the
train arrived, 4 large river steamer lad to pass
the railroad which crosses the stream upon a
high bridge. 1t had to wait until the freight
trains had passed. then the keeper opened the
draw. After the steamer hod gone, the keeper
began to swing the draw. Unfortunately, bolt
became detached from the fastenings, and fell
,spon the head of the man, knocking him sense
less. As the draw was not secured, it swung
back leaving yawAing gulf, into which the
first passing train was sure to plunge.
What did the railroad company give Carl for
saving the train? The question is quickly
answered.
Three weeks passed ere Carl could again resume
his occupation. Three weeks pay was deducted
from his scanty wages.
Did the passengers give anything to Carl for
saving their lives.
No. they growled because they were detained
two hours upon the road.
1t was sad Christmas night for poor Carl
Gluck.