Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1878-08-22

said Seth. "What fools we were to
take them drinks Now, Tom, shove
in some wood while l oil the cranks.
III leave word Tor the foreman we
must trust him."
All these preparations were made
almost as quickly as they are de-
scribed. In ten minutes the engine
was ready, and as noiseless as possi-
BILE the great locomotive was brought
out of the shed, but tender first.
"Never mind" said Seth, when
Tom objected. eve can run about
as Guick. Now, are ye ready !"
The foreman came up at that mo-
ment. "If We do succeed" he said,
'your fortunes are made. If you
fail wouldn't answer for your lives.
Take my revolver" he added, land
be off,"
Seth thanked him, adding gloomi-
ly, "If we fail, We'll never come
back alive. For us to be hocused
with Bourbon is disgrace enough" !"
A whistle The foreman opened
the po ints and the engine sped away
on the down line in full pursuit of
the desperadoes, to save the specie
train, if possible.
"We've no head-lamp ?" exclaim-
ed Tom, suddenly.
$50 much the better we don't
want to advertise ourselves tonight.
There is flash of something guess
We'll have storm"
The remark was not called for.
The CLEAN Of lightning every now
and then appeared to rest upon the
steel handles and CLINT along the
rails. There was moaning sound
in tie air, feeling of oppression,
while occasionally a heavy plash of
rain would drop upon the roof of the
"cab" in which the men journeyed.
Whey Absolutely flew along the
track. Over the apparently bound
less prairie the line was laid. Not a
station for miles. A few watering
places at intervals alone broke the
level Character of the prospect when
the fitful lightning lit up the sur
roundings. Pitch dark overhead
except when the flashes came and
the only light below the rapidly
moving glare of the furnace fire on
the "road."
"It's past H." said the driver.
eve ought to have pulled them
up. We've run this thirty miles in
the half-hour. There's Buffalo
Creek, he added, as they skinned
past.
"WelI, then, hartford is only
another thirty, and the trestle sid
ing on the top of the cutting is only
twenty-five" ."
eve must pass them at the curve,
below. Halloo /! look out, mind
that hand lamp"
Tom turned the slide and looked
ahead. Seth shut off the steam.
There they are lucky we are
running tender foremost, or they
would have seen our fire. Well
wait on them gently till they get on
|
wire IN and drop them. Steady,
mate !"
Then engine came silently to a
stand-still. The gentle hiss of the
steam, which was just raising the
valves, was the only audible sound.
| Broad flashes of sheet lightning lit
up the heavy masses of cloud, but no
thunder followed. Seth looked to
his revolver.
Tom fed the fire and they waited :;
it was their only chance-a surprise.
For quite twenty minutes the
men waited the engine in front
had long ago disappeared. At last
Seth salt: 'Nuw, Tom, is our time
I'll run them race to hartford
City, and if | get there first there'll
be Scalps to sell to morrow. Well
round that curve before they see US,
and come in al flying. Are you
ready ?'
Tom signifed his consent, and
away darted the ponderous engine
across the brundless prairie at top
speed. On! on never mind the
rough track it's death if you leave
it it's death most likely, if you re-
main. There is one chance, and on,
ly one-if you reach Dartford City
and give the alarm.
Press on, Seth, it's nigh mid
night" SO whispered Tom, as the
engine swung round The sharp curve.
There, seemingly motionless, was
the other engine. Faster and faster
ratified the pursuer. They were
seen at last. The men were visible
through the glass for an instant.
"I.ie down !" roared Seth.
Only just IN time. Two bullets
came crashing overhead another
hit the handle of the steam whistle
and sent out scraem of defiance in
to the night. Seth rose slowly, and,
pistol in hand, watched the foe,
He's going to race us, but he
don't know the trick of firm No.
2O0,' Tom. We'll pass him, and
then"
Seth's face, as he spoke, and
clutched his revolver, was sufficient
to explain his meaning without
words.
On, on, speeding across the prairie
Now, Seth was gaining, now the
other shot ahead. "More wood into
the furnace pile it in, Tom, =" cried
Seth" that's it-nOw."
A bullet from Seth's steady hand
passed through the glass of the 9th.
er engine, and shattered the driving
arm of the man who held the regu-
latOr.
'Bully - exclaimed the delight