The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-05-19
M isceIIan @ O u g.
A NIGHT OF TERROR.

This night, which will dwell in my
memory with vivid distinctness while life
and reason are left me, was in October q
long while ago. was at that time tele-
graph operator stationed at n little town
upon the Grand Trunk Line of railroad.
Mine was 10y no means q model place of
residence. There were beer-gardens, drink
ing saloons, and gambling. houses, out of
all proportion to the more respectable
shops and residences we had two arrests
of counterfeiters, and there was scarcely q
day passed that there was not brawl
amongst the rufiians around us. Still, there
was school, and timid blue-eyed woman
had come to teach there.
How long an unprotected woman might
have lived there l can only guess, for Alice
Holt had been there but three months
when she consented to walk into church
with me one day, and walked out my wife.
This was in July, and we had occupied a
pretty cottage nearly quarter ofa mile
from the telegraph office since our mar
riage.
Being the only man employed at the
telegraphic business in the town, was
obliged to remain constantly at the Office
during the day and part Of the evening,
and Alice herself brought me my dinner
and supper.
There was small room next my office,
with window, but only one door, COM
municating with the larger room. Here
Alice had fitted up dressing-table, and
mirror, wash-stand, and some shelves, where
she kept pepper, salt and pickles for my
office repasts. The two rooms were ON the
second floor of wooden building that
stood alone.
With this necessary introduction come
to the story of that October night and the
part my blue,eyed Alice, only IS and
afraid of her own shadow, played in it.
I was in the office at about 7.3O o'clock,
when one of the railway officials came in,
all Hurried, saying:
"Stirling, have you been over to the EN-
bankment on the road to days"
The embankment was not u quarter OF
mile from the Office, on the east side.
mo; have not"
at was special providence took ME
there, then. One of the great masses OF
rock has rolled down directly across the
track. 1t will be as dark as a VOLTS mouth
to night, and if the midnight up train
comes without warning, there will be a
| horrible smash up"
ut must stop at Postvile, them" re-
piled. ~ will send message"
Eyes. That is what stepped in for
The down track is clear, so you nc ah
stop that train"
"All right, sir"
was standing at the door, seeing my
caller down the rickety staircase, when
Alice came up with my supper. 1t was
hot and cold, SO drew up table, and
opening can and basket, sat down to en-
joy it. Time enough for business,
thought afterward. AS ate we chatted
"Any message to-day |" my wife asked
zone for John Martin"
John Martin 2 Alice cried; "thc great
est ruffian in the neighborhood. VIVA
was the message 7"
midnight train y
"Was that all p
"That was all. Mr.. Hill has Just beer
in here to tell me there was huge rocl
across the track at the embankment, 80
shall stop the midnight train at Postville
The passenger must wait few hours there
and come on in the morning after tn
track is cleared"
"Have you sent that message, Robert 2
mot yet. There is plenty Of time
That train does not reach Postville til
halfpast II and it is not yet 8. Yes, it i
lust striking"