Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-09-16

gan to hope that our fears of an attack
were groundless.
We ran down again with steam on to
get in the rear of the passenger train,
and the other engine followed at little
distance. AS our engine neared the
points, just below the log hut l have
mentioned, several figures rose from
their concealment. Without warning
Of any kind, they deliberately fired at
the engines as they passed. Surprise,
more than fear, kept us for moment
inactive. But Abel quickly recovered
himself Shouting to me to lie down,
he discharged two barrels at the nearest
of our assailants With groan, he fell
dead in his tracks. In few seconds
we had run out Of range, but those up
on the other engine were less fortunate
Unarmed as they were, the driver land
fireman could make no resistance, and
we, as well as the passengers, who were
now turning out to their assistance, were
obliged to remain passive Spectators
The poor fellows were tumbled off the
engine by their assailants, whose inten-
tion to seize the specie wagon was now
evident But in this they were foiled.
Some of the passengers, having got with
in range, had by this time commenced a
pretty hot fire against the "ilibusters,"
who now found themselves in fix, as
Abel, reversing his engine, returned to
the attack. Their position thus becom-
ing untenable, they started their engine
and ran quickly out of the range of the
passengers fire. But Nemesis was be-
hind them, and seeing their maneuver
turned on full pressure, and swore he'd
shoot them before he slept. Now COM
menced the most extraordinary chase |
ever heard of.
The engine in front had start of
about half mile, but we had great pow
er, and understood the management of
the machine. Both locomotives were
we'll supplied with wood and water.
One of our opponents attempted to jump
off as the speed was for moment slack
ened, but he was hurled upon the line
a bleeding mass. His terrible fate de-
tered his companions, who increased
their distance and disappeared over the
brow of the hill. We followed, going
at terrific rate, humping and oscillat-
ing to such degree upon the uneven
track that fancied we shonld run of
the line. We Kept our course, however,
gaining slightly for time, Abel taking
every opportunity of sending bullet
through the weather board of the retreat
ing engine.
As the excitement cooled little,
for the first time, discovered that | hac
been "hit." A trickling of blood from
wound in my arm, and numb sensa
tion were anything but agreeable. A
rough bandage stopped the bleeding
and we we're then at liberty to observ,
the chase once more. Darkness CAM
ON, yet there was no token of any abate
ment of the speed, nor any apparen
change in our relative positions. Occas
ionally defiant whistle was borne bael
to US, but still on we swept through th
night. Suddenly the red glow upol
the track in front seemed to stop. W
neared it rapidly.
"Dive, roared Abel, just in time
AS he spoke two shots came whizzin
through the glass in front, and fel
harmless from the iron plate before us
'.A shave that +" laughed my compan
ion. ''But I'll be quits" AS he sal
this he got out upon the frame an
told me to lie cached.
''What on earth are you about %
asked. His reply made me shudder.
''Tm going to kill them on that er
GIN Good by, friend" He was gon
creeping over the wheel castings t
the buffer beam.
Now determined to win, | employe
every means to do SO. We were surel
gaining. Another log upon the alread
roaring furnace. The valve discharge
a cloud of kissing steam, but went o
hurrying to destruction.
, In few minutes more the engine
, were almost touching another shot, bl
no harm done. We bumped grinc
ing noise was heard, then another buml
"Hurrah, I cried, or rather tried
, cry, for my throat was SO parched tn;
= [ could scarcely utter a sound. and r
! gardless of risk was about to join Abe
, when shrill noise rose beneath us, an
S the other engine shot into the darkne
ahead. With an oath [ shut off Il
. steam further progress L knew was in
possible with the heated machinery
8 and shouted to Abel. AS soon as
S could pull up, jumped off and ran
e the front. Abel had disappeared !
e Gracious Heaven Had he fallen wht
il the engines touched? began to fe
e the worst, and to call wildly in the va
hope he might hear, but the whisper
: the wind was the only reply. 1t W
impossible that he could have gained t
$ foot-plate Of the other locomotive al