The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-01-14
THE LIGHTNING EXPRESS.

tive at the top speed? It is queer ex-
perience, especially to one not at all &C
customed to that peculiar mode of trav-
cling, and Is calculated, under some cir
cumstanccs, to try the nervous system
to its utmost tension. If you would
realize the power and irresistible force
Of locomotive under Roadway, step on
the rails for moment on a dark night
and look up the long line Of perspective
at an on-coming engine with its blazing
signal latern in front, like the eye OF
Cyclops, and its roar, echoed by the
trembling earth like some tabled giants
breath. 1t is the very epitome of me-
chanical power harnessed to the service
OF human intelligence. What fright
full means of sacrifice, what marvellous
agent for good
Again, stand on the platform of side
station while the express train passes at
It's average speed, thirty miles an hour,
and you have another example of the
amazing power of steam. Your nerves
will lnvoluntarily contract themselves as
the train rushes swiftly by, your eyebds
Will close mechanically and you almost
gasp for breath as the air-vacunm sur
rounds you, caused by such huge and
rapid atmospheric displacement.
But it was upon an engine itself that
the experience of which. we write was
gained, and though some years have
now interviewed it is as fresh in the
memory as though it had occurred but
yesterday.
It was on a cold winters evening that
we were to start from Burlington, VT,
for Boston. The January thaw had
failed to put in an appearance that year,
and the cold IN that nothern region had
been intence, bedding the frost to a
great depth In the soil. After purchas-
ing our ticket for the Lightning Express
as it was called, and placing valise and
wrapper safely in one of the passenger
cars, we had strolled about the depot
until we finally paused beside the large
and powerful locomotive which was to
draw the train on it's downward trip. 1t
was superb piece of mechanism, with
its brass mountings as bright as patient
toll and ince 5sant care could make them,
while the iron and steel parts conveyed
a sense of enormous strength at a glance.
The huge engine seemed almost en-
dowed with animal life as it paused there
with restrained power, like thorough
bred horse champing impatiently at the
bit which curbs him. The engineer and
fireman were both in their places, quiet
~ awaiting the signal which should start
the train for the south. A sudden
thought struck me. I had never rid
den upon a locomotive it would be
new sensation. Was it possible to do
SO tonight? [ asked the engineer, who
shook his head. but still answered me
pleasantly:
"There is the Superintendent yonder;
ask him.
Seeking the individual designated as
the Superintendent, [ was both pleased
and surprised to recognize In him al old
friend, with whom, years ago, had
been on intimate terms. I finally told
him that [ had a singular request to
make, and expressed my desire to ride
with the engineer, He somewhat re-
luctantly assented to my desire, but
not without numerous cautions and
the remark that it was quite excep-
tional to grant such a privilege to any
one.
Walking to the side of the locomotive
the Superintendent introduced me to the
engineer, and gave him directions to ac-
commodate me as it regarded the in
tended purpose.
Five minutes later the signal bell was
rang, the shrill whistle sounded, steam
was gradually let on to the cylinders,
and the train rolled out of the depot
into the darkness, which for moment
was rendered more dense by contrast
with the well-lighted depot left behind.
I at once bestowed myself so as not 10
be in the way of the engineer or fireman,
and crriously watched the novel scene
Immediately about me, for that was al
that [ could possibly see.
s'Never on a locomotive before ?" sug-
gested the engineer.
s.No"
'HCan't see much such a night as
this"
mo; it's as dark as pocket" re-
piled.
''Of nice summers day it's all very
WE'LL continued the engineer, "but of
a dark night-well, [ don't think it's
very jolly" Al the while he was
IooI-.Drr cfroinbf ohoaI with HE IoDl