Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1878-07-26


his mate, Tom Atkins. They looked to
the engine and their revolycrs; put II
dozen cartridges i'll y tin can; filled Il
similar can with some old Bourbon
whisky at saloon close by, whittier
they were followed by the man who
had been listening 10 their conversation
and who noted their preparations,
After communicating with some ac-
complice, this mysterious individual left
the saloon and made his way toward
the signal box, which stood Sone dis
tance down the line
4 soon MS the engine driver and his
mate were recognized. they were warm
" welcomed, for they We're favorites
Many drinks We're rendered for their
acceptance, and declined on various
pleas, till 1T length one man declared
the BritiShcr wanted TO fix an insult on
free-bon citizen. He offered Seth
and Tom glass apiece saving.
What's up mate2 Sworc off, ell ~
For this evening, replied Seth, but,
as Id rather drink than fight just nov.
/ I'll take your treat. So the men each
took the protiercd glass, but scarcely
tasted it; and soon afterward Seth, fear.
ing that some inkling of his intended
mission might leak out, bcckoncd to
his fireman to follow rs soon as poss-
bic, and then left the saloon. lie lit a
cigar, climbed up into the cab Of his
engine GALL American locomotives are
protected and closed in), and began to
smoke.
lie smoked i'll comfort for about II
quarter Of iii hour, then helelt queer
" These Is stronger cigars than usual,
he muttered, and he threw il from him
But the oppression on his brain became
heavier; he felt very sleepy now
II think i'll have nap; its only
about 9 o'clock. | must; there's an
hour yet wonder whore Tom Is. Its
my opinion Tom will drink too much
Or"
Ills train Of thought was suddenly |
interrupted All ut once ii flashed |
upon him that he himself had been
drugged" in the saloon
" That's it; what Il laundering idiot |
amli' lie essaycd to rise, but felt quite
bewildcred. He made hopeless attempts
to stand upright, but could do nothing.
He was us useless asaehild; but, worse
than all, lie was conscious OF his inabil-
ity to do his duty. Ten O'Clock rang
out. He strus4led q MS feet. His
head was spinning round, his feet were
heavy MS leaden weights. He opened
the slding-door, but ere he could de-
scend u blow from behind sent him
flying into space-a splash, and down
he sank into large pond containing Il
quantity of SURF lus water for the loco
motive tanks
AT the same moment three mon
climbed up on the engine and, with Il
low but hearty chuckle, started il ont
from the siding.
" think we did that slick. said the
shortest Of the party. &c didn't listen
to the boss for nothin this time The
specie train viii run after all, you see.
Oh! they couldn't catch me tripping.
No sir!"
"The savage will do the bridge, |
suppose, said another He's to work
on the up line, isn't hep"
AYE, only on that side. le did that
Britisher pretty, | must say. lie and
Seth was kinder cautious, too.
" | mixed it strong said the other,
with a savage laugh Did you settle
the signals, Abe
Aye; telegraphed ourselves on
SPECIAL, and then cnt the wires and
smashed the instruments. We're clear
now to hartford. What's that?' he nd
ded, hastily, rs the engine lurched for a
second and lifted.
"Only the points We're out now
We can run easy. | spose. She won't
bust, hope. Here goes"
The speaker, who knew little about
engine-driying, turned on the steam,
and away they went He turned his
head for Il moment. There's something
moving yonder; they've found Seth,
likely"
But this portion of the gang Of des-
peradoes had met their match in In
gIish Tom Atkins. For Il moment or
two he had been overcome by the drug
ged whiskcy, but simple and very ef-
lective remedy cured him, ut the cost Of
few moments sickness. Creeping
along the ground, for he could not
walk, he conceived the idea Of follow.
ing these men, 50 he held the polats
open and sent the +" brayoes away into
the night on the up line. lie proposed
to give the alarm, and follow Ion the
down metall with superior force. Bat
fate WAS drawing the fugltivcs to de-
strucion. The up line was cut at the
bridge.
Lend 4 hand, mate, I'm droundina
This is what Tom heard Is he erawIed
rather than walked across tile metals u
seek assistance.
Setb-seth Martin; what's happcn-
"a u you?'
Them yarmint tossed me III here
when ! was half stupid, hut tie water