Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-11-09
lie IauSHeu.
II never do. Against the rules.

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A few minutes later, freight No 9(
was on it's way, Joe at his accustomed
post, and Mark in his old office O.
fireman.
Now, what's the Instructions, Joe?
said Mark, much more cheertully, his
spirits rising with the speed they were
making as they tore along through the
dismal night.
We'll, we go on hard as we can till
we reach Clear Spring, and there we
pull over to the south siding and let
No so express pass, and then we have
the right Of way all the rest Of the
route.
After Clear Spring there is no sid
ing till we reach Apsley Junction
seven miles beyond?
None we wait sixteen minutes, il
necessary. at Clear Spring, replied
Joe, decisively.
'All right. By the way | haven
had driak to-day. brought flask
along said Mark producing the artl-
Gle and unscrewing the top, which
formed a cup. Take nip. Cold
night; won't hurt you.
Joe shook his head.
i never touch it when | am on du-
ty.
Once and while won't hurt YOU
Joe. Its good stuff, and can do you
no harm.
Well, perhaps one drink won't hurt
Your health
He drank. Three minutes after
ward he was as incapable Of exercls.
ing his faculties as if he had swal'
lowed a quart. His brain reeled, his
sight became dim, his limbs relaxed
and he fell he pless upon tie bencl
built against the side Of the little
cab.
A lurid triumph filled the eyes Of
Mark Maldon. He fang the bottle
out of the window and seized the
handle that governed the locomotive
i have owed you a long debt, Joe !!
he shouted above the roar Of the
Wheels and now | can pay it with
compound interest You took every
thing from me and made me what
am, and now fate gives me my re-
venge.
Joe was incapable Of moving, but
his senses in some degree still re-
NAMED.
What are you going to do he
gasped.
You shall see.
The wretch pulled the leve', and
the engine leaped suddenly as a horse
bounds when pricked with a spur
Every pound Of steam she could bear
with safety from instantaneous explo'
sion was put on, and the train dashed
forward at lightning speed.
Remember Clear Spring siding
gasped Joe, hardly conscious.
i shall remember to pass it
yelled Mark, with demoniac joy, above
the clatter and crashing Of such
mighty machinery. 1 looked into
your home to, night, Joe Thurston, and
saw your happiness, and then | asked
myself where was my home and where
my happiness | saw your wile-the
woman that | loved, and of whom you
robbed me. 1t was a comfortable re-
hection-all that love and peace for
you, all the shame and despair fol
me My chance to get even came
before | dreamed of. You are in my
power now and Ill use it. We both
die tonight
He stepped and seized Thurston 5
watch.
Every minute brings US nearer to
death. Ha, ha We are at Clear
Spring already he cried glanclng out;
but we don't stop. No, no We go
on till we smash into the express and
be ground to atoms
This horrible design seemed to So
Der Joe somewhat. He a; last com
pretended it.
My God, Mark, have mercy he
groaned. Think Of my poor wife
Reverse the engine or we are lost !
4 do think OF your wife, and that
nerves me to 60 to my death smiling
and joyously, because you go along
with me, returned this fiend. More
steam, more steam, if we blow up !
What care | ?
He turned to the coal tender
There was flash in his face, report
rang out and he tottered and dropped
down among the wheels. Something
hot spurteI upward-blood-an the
train jolted.
A woman clambered down from
among the coal. 1t was Jennie, pale
as death, revolver in hand.
'Ycu, Jennie !! moaned poor Joe,
or is it fancy
1t is |, Joe, | distrusted that man,
YOU remember, and before the tram
left l armed myself and sprang on the
last car. You made such speed that
have been all this time getting here;
wasn't used to running along the
roofs, you know, and leaping from one
car to another; but here | am, just in
time, Joe.'