Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-08-27

tral'a had been delayed by severe
gale in the Atlantic, but now he was
safe in England, and intended shortly
to come and see us.
"Safew remarked John; ''no one
now a-days can reckon upon that, with
a long railway journey before him."
John slightly exaggerated, ofcourse,
but that autumn the collisions and ac-
cidents of all kinds had something
fearful. Not day passed but fresh
collisions were recorded, and, with
morbid interest, John used to read
them and make my soul quiver by the
remarks-"Sdch might just have been
my case, Jane. No doubt the fellow
was dead.beat. Only the mercy of
Providence save me from manslaugh-
ter, or discharge through negli-
gence.'
One oppressively warm evening, he
had, while at tea, been reading about
a more than usually terrible accident.
owing, it was stated, to the signal
man, who had been on the lookout for
sixteen hours, making an error in the
signals.
Putting the paper down, he exclaim-
ed, "Jane, how often have felt as he
describes full, of terror, knowing how
many lives might be depending on me
How l pray Uncle thompson may
help us, and may give the whole
thing up!'
Rising, he pat on his hat; he went
on duty at six. watched him anx-
iously. Never had l felt more ner.
vous, for observed him nodding un-
consciously TO himself over his tea.
Indeed, he looked 50 depressed, was
half inclined to ask TO go with him.
But knew he wouldn't consent, as it
was against the rules while independ-
ent of which. the man who temporarily
filed his place was the greatest enemy
John had, and would be sure 10 tell
! of him if he did so. l knew Richard
Malin bore bitter enmity to INV hus-
band, and would gladly do an i'll turn
TO one whose rival he had been. l was
aware he never forgave my accepting
John and rejecting him, SO held my
tongue, spoke cheerfully as l cotld, rs
l walked with him TO the corner of the
road, and waited until saw him ap-
pear in the signal-box, when re-
traced my steps.
lneyer felt SO nervously restless as
l did that night. l could settle 10
nothing, so sat DOWN before the fire.
l kept light for Johns return. and
tried To divert myself with my baby,
but the child soon slumbercd and |
sat thinking until |, too, slept.
The whole time dreampt OF .o,h-
ing but railways. They were every
where rushing and tearing about me
their shrill whistles deafcning my ears.
| beheld the express and the mail with
a noiseless horror, rushing towa:d
each other, with lights seeming TO
laugh with fiendish mirth; tnen there
was an awful cry crash, and Il
scene of destruction. l was awakened
by my own cries" !"
Irritated at being so startled, |
bustled about to forget the scene, and
| put Maudie to bed, and again sat by
the fire and dozed.
Scarcely had l done so, however,
than there arose before me a shadowy
figure Of indefinite form, pointing in
the direction Of the signal-box.
l moved restlessly, and put my
hands before my face TO smut it out.
Finally, l started, rose to my feet. and
l could have declared the figure stood
on the hearthrug, in the fire-llght, on
ly it gradually melted into air.
just then the clock struck half-past
ten.
In half an hour the Wyoming ex-
press and Henshar mail would be due.
At that l began TO tremole violently,
and throwing on my shawl, l deter
mined to go and look at the signal
box, anI see if all was right.
White mist had risen since l was
last out and above them, Using from
a billowy sea, as it was about mile
distant, rose the ''lookout," distinct
in the moonlight.
But where was John? Generally |
could see him moving about now, the
place apparently was empty.
What did it mean? There was one
answer-John was asleep:
Never shall forget the sensation
that run through my veins at that
thought. The crown of nv head
seemed to literally lift up. Then,
why, could never explain, ran back.
seized Maudie, and afterwards hurried
to the signal-box.
Rapidly l assembled the steps TO the
"lookout." tried the door, it was
fastened on the outside; and what a
sight met me within, through the
glass.
John sound asleep, his head on his
arms.
Calling him loudly, shook the han.
die. He did not stir. All was silent,
save for the monotonous tick of the
clock, beating out the fatal minutes,
above his head. dared not delay.
l dashed in the glass, put in my hand
turned the key, and entered. Even
this did not arouse him.
John !" called, shaking his shoul.
der, "What is the matter with you
Wake up It's e,even, the express is
, coming!"
He breathed heavily, but made no
sign. What was the matter with him
, He appeared in no natural sleep. In
my alarm at the flying moments, fond
: mother as was, forced Maudie to
+ cry, hoping that might awaken him
, 1t did. Slowly he looked up heavily
but only to sink back to sleep. Al
| the same moment 1 heard in the dis
tance the faint whistle of the express
/; train. 1t was coming, and Henshal
mail had not yet passed. The terror
of q whole life was condensed in tn ost
few minutes. The collision John haG
t fOretold had come at last. All my eff
forts to arouse him were futile.
e stood alone. the trains were rushing
| tn their fate I saw tho awfnl SiDh