The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-05-29
AN ENGINEER'S STORY.
BY C. l.. CATLIS.
From Saturday Night


"rvc been thinking" said the express
messenger, shat our friend, Jim T
during his twelve years of running an en-
gine on this road, must have run up against
many worse adventure than this, my
friends. So propose We call on him for a
story, from his own experience"
That's good idea," answered several
voices.
"Come, Jim, old fellow said the con-
ductor, "giye US the story of that day when
you came so near going head first over the
p Bridge. train and all. | never did
hear the whole truth Of that matter"
The engineer looked into the fire
thoughtfully for moment, and shadow
stole over his pleasant face, Us he an
swered:
swell, boys, it's ten years ago since
that little affair happened, but it never
comes back to my mind without making
me shudder at the recollection of it. |
was running No, I, between H and
B, at the time the road was in prime
condition, my engine had just had thor
ough overhauling, and altogether the du-
ties were pleasant and easy enough, as one
Of our trades duties 90.
"Well, one Sunday morning, | had
backed down from the engine-house to the
station at H =, coupled on to my train,
and was waiting for the passengers to fin
ish their breakfasts, and get aboard again
for start. One by one they came hurry
ing out, and stood on the platform by
the tender, playing with the children,
whom my wife had brought down to the
depot, as was her custom every Sunday
morning, to see me of. | was living in
IA at the time, for that way had a
chance to pass my evenings at home, you
see. | was just giving my youngsters a
parting hug, and wondering why the fire.
man stayed so long at his breakfast, when
all of a sudden saw man, stranger to
me, jump stealthily but quickly on the
engine, and pull the throttle. The wheels
creaked, the train moved, the loiterers on
the platform jumped hurriedly on board.
Quick as thought placed the child in its
mothers arms, and in another instant was
face to face with the intruder.
A single look sufficed to tell me that he
meant mischief. A man Of herculeau stat
ure, bareheaGed and scantily attired, with
eyes glaring like Goals of fire, with long hair
falling down upon his shoulders. with
sleeves rolled up above his elbows, display
ing brawny, muscular arms, and with a
wild, excited laugh upon his countenance'
was before me, pulling the bell-rope NO
lently, and taking apparently but little
notice of my presence. In less time than
have been telling it, had closed with
him.
"'What are you doing? Are you
crazy7' cried.
''He looked at me for a minute, with
that same devilish leer in his eye, and
pushing me back as if | we're leather,
said, abstractedly:
'.Don't annoy me now, | beg of you
Pm busy ,
81 summoned all my strength and rushed
upon him again. for by this time the train
was well in motion, and the rate oil speed
was momentarily increasing.
ale let go Of the bell-rope, and, as ]
seized him by the arms, grasped mine in
turn, and holding me in a yice-like grip,
looked me full in the face.
"'Didn't I tell you,' said he, in harsh
er voice than before, that didn't wish to
be annoyed
II glanced into his face closely a, he
spoke, and then, for the first time, the
horrible truth broke in upon me-ths man
TdS mad!
~ felt shudder run through my veins,
and great drops Of cold sweat stood out
upon my face, as in single moment | real
lied tho dreadful danger before me. l
thought of my little children, whose kisses
were yet warm upon my face and Of that
ln, tr0;,, hnhini LIZ fnll of paSsenRer9 SO