The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1875-12-25
Subscribers out of County, $1.2O.

"If you're running this train want
to see your commission of authority"
said the mad engineer. ...
81 ana not running It," replied the
youth, quite calmly. "You know the
code Of the road as well, perhaps better
than do. You Know all about the
fog signals. The first means run slow
er, the second, stop, the third, stop at
all hazards-there's danger ahead -
"What's that you're trying to tell
me ?" roared Nixon. Course your fog
signals You shan't dictate to mo be-
cause you've got your sweetheart with
you to night. Now keep your mouth
shut, Or"
He never finished the threat, but
laid his hand on heavy wrench, and
looked daggers at the youth.
The last words had scarcely left the
engineers lips when the third and last
fog signal sounded more distinct than
the othets. The wheels had crushed
the cap on the iron rails [; but John
Nixon paid no heed to it. ,.....r
"He's crazed with drink % said Ju-
Illus, moving back toward Hetty Nc
Farland, "and he's driving the train
right into some terrible accident The
rains may have swept that river bridge
away we must be near it now."
The minute that followed was one Of
agony.
At the end thereof, the engineer
threw open the furnace, and turning
to his fireman said {:
"Wood wood and be quick about
it too -
Julius was leaving the cushion, when
Hetty suddenly spraDg to her feet,
aud drew small revolver from her
pocket.
"Stop the train - she cried, pointing
the weapon at John Nixon's head
"you will not obey the fog signals; you
must obey me or die % ..
The drunkard dropped the wrench,
and stared aghast into Hetty's flashing
eyes.
The new situation seemed to be sober
ing him. ugg
"Stop the train /" she repeated, land
stop itat once ''
He put his hand on the lever, and
still looking at her, he obeyed the CON-
mand.
The speed of the train diminished,
and it soon stood still on the track.
Then was heard the rvshing of mad
voices, and the shouts of men.
"l feared it |" cried Julius; "the
bridge over the river is gone %
John Nixon stood erect with his hand
on the lever, aud almost sober.
"Go and tell Bradley" Hetty said to
Julius, who disappeared
A moment later the conductor, fol-
lowed by several passengers and men
in their shirtsleeves, appeared at the
engine.
~ thank God for such women as you
Hetty," he said. 1--WE are within
twenty feet of the bridgeless abutment.
An instant more and we would have
been iu the foaming torrent - ,...
Ietty Mcfarland breathed thank
full prayer, and saw John Nixon re-
move from his post. o
The danger was over. A woman's
frmness had saved the train and It's
precious freight.
1t seems that few minutes prior to
the explosion of the alarm caps the
bridge had been carried away by the
high waters, and the signals were put
down to warn the train.
" It's the pistol you gave me julie.
Mother thought ! might be safer with
it, and made me bring it along" 7 %.
The traia had to back many miles,
for the river OF course COULD not be-
crossed, and valuable time was lost.
But the loss was nothing compared to
the gain. Eu'F 90
John Nixon was discharged, and be-
came confirmed inebriate. The old
habit eventually slew him.
Julius Baird took his place, and II
the wedding that shortly folio wed was
a quiet one, the presents were magni-
fceDt. They came from Governor
Kpox and the railway company. .lm