Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-05-23

serious extent. The night express
generally went through the cut with
undiminished speed, for no OBJ
structions had been encountered there,
though the cattle guard in the centre
would assist the evilly disposed.
Ytol at last reached the cut into
which the mellow moonbeams fell, and
paused. Something high and dark OBJ
structed the track before her, at the
very spot where the cattle guard seemed
to be, and size held her breath. It was
twelve O'Clock when she left the house
and her walk had occupied a number of
precious minutes. The .shrieks Of the
Red Bird would soon be heard, and a
moment thereafter its headlight would
fash into the cut or gorge.
She saw more than pile Of strong
ties on the track. She saw the dark
figure of a man moving about the
pyramid as if contemplating his nights
work and specializing upon the ruin and
death it would cause. She watched
until she believed that one man had
accomplished the diabolical deed, then
she crept forward through the shadow
of the bushes that lined the SIDES of the
cut, until she stood within ten feet of
him.
"rL'go back to the station now"
she heard him say to himself. II can
get there before the accident, and when
it occurs, why, can run up here and
see him under the ruins Of his engine,
50 crushed that. that doll-hced gil of
his will not recognize him."
a cruel laugh rippled over his lips as
he stepped back from the heap Of ties,
several of which he had forced into the
guard, where they were wedged like
posts of iron. He enjoyed his own
words. and viewed the work Of his mad
hands.
It'll crush the Red Bird" he said,
turning away, land put him out Of my
path forever
The last words, full Of DEVILS
triumph. still quiyered on his lips,
when Ytol stepped from the shadows
and thrust the muzzfe Of her revolver
into his face!
He started back with CRY OF horror
and muttered her name.
This is your revenge, Morgan
Duke" she said, looking sternly into
his eyes. Nov, obey my commands,
or there will be lifeless body on this
track, to be mingled among the ruins
of the night express, To work at once
Of with your coat, and remove from
the track every obstruction your wicked
hands have placed there"
He looked at her, and q curse fell
from his lips.
THE train can't be saved now he
said, and there was Joy IN his tones.
SIT took me one long hour to obstruct
the guard. In twenty minutes, Or less,
perhaps, you'll see the Red Birds head
light up the cut.
VILLAIN - she cried, ''if this track is
not clear when see her headlight,
III drive bullet through your brain
You know what 10 do! viii talk no
longer"
Covered by her revolver as he was,
Morgan Duke, the station-master, dof-
ed his coat and fell to work.
Ytol never took her eyes from him,
and the silvery moon that rested over
the cut showed his every movement.
He was upon the pile of ties, hurting
them, one by one, with the strength Of
modern Sampson upon the not over
wide grade. He worked for life, for he
knew when the laundering train was
due, and glance at the girl on the
track told him that she would sternly
slay him if he did not do her bidding.
Once she said to him. as he paused
for breath before attacking the ties
which he had driven into the guard
Il never thought this Of you, Morgan
Duke. When rejected you, l thought
you would bear it like man."
He replied not, but glanced at his
watch.
Half past twelve." he said.
''To work twas the stern command,
and Ytol, stepping forward. brought
the revolver nearer his head
He tugged at the ties with great
strength, and large drops of perspira-
ton stood boldly out on his forehead.
II can't move them" he said at last,
turning upon Ytol.
''You must ~ was the reply.
L drove them in with the slcdge."
II did not hear the sound"
1T was deadened with my coat"
The girls face grew paler than ever,
and she glanced fearfully up the cut.
Take them out ?" she said, sudden
"; ''the train is coming. [ heard it,"
The viAainous station master heard
the rumbl;ng, and again turned to the
ties.
'.You have your choice" Ytol said
to him. "A bullet, or an unobstructed
track!
She watched him as woman never
watched man before. She knew that
he was doing all that could be done to
undo his wicked work, and while she
watched her heart grew still beneath
the rumble of the express.