Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1878-07-31

Seth's face, a. he spoke and clutchcd
his revolver, was sufficient 70 explsin Iii,
meaning.
On, on, speeding across the prairie.
NOV, Seth was gaining, now the other
shot ahead.
More wood into the furnace; pile i,
in, Tom" cried Seth; "that il it,
now"
A bullet from seth's steady hand pass
ed through the glass of the other engin,
and shattered the driving arm of tn.
man who held the regulator.
Bully" exclaimed the delighted
Seth. "Now for another log" tn,
fire was blown up, and like an arrow th,
engines flew along; but no more shot
were exchanged, for rs they were run
ming neck and neck for one instant Setf
Perceived q light on the line ahead, ant
before his companion was aware of hi
intention, shut off the steam. The othel
engine few away into the darkness
leaving Seth and Tom far behind.
What did you shut off FORT" criec
Tom.
Look ahead and you'll know" wa,
the grim reply.
Tom looked ahead. A weird light wa,
playing on the track, a halo Of unearth1y
appearance. 1t shimmered and moved
about like a shadow. 1t was a most
CHASTITY white mist-a ghostly warning.
What can it be-" said Tom, his su.
perstitious terrors being now excited.
What is itr'
at is a light, that is all,n said Seth,
with fiendish grin. al know ii
though; Pve seen it before. There is
somebody underneath the rails in the
bridge, and, you bet, they are cutting
the track for the special train"
Gracious Heaven, and that engine!"
THAT engine will be in the river in
two minutes" said Seth Martin.
"Oh! hurry up and save them if we
can" exclaimed Tom. $50 aheadl"
Gently, mate, gently; let them get
on a bit" He turned on steam, but ere
they had passed half the distance in the
direction of the light, a loud crash was
and amid screams of human
agony the trestle bridge sank down.
gently, slowly, but surely, to the
stream below. The ponderous engine
dipped forward, gave one heavy roll.
again, and turning completely
over, fell with a laundering morse into
The canon below.
The lights were suddenly extinguished,
and the piercing screams OF wounded
and scalded men arose, mingled with the
steam and the dull roar of thun.
Ter. The storm had burst.
Caught in their W trap ex-
claimed Seth. "Serves them right!
Poor critters, I'm kinder sorry. too"
"Let us help them," cried Tom.
"Help! yes; let us run on to hartford
md stop the traffic; the specie is due in
minutes"
Gross that bridget" exclaimed the
Eyes, sir, across that bridge. l am
going to try it" replied Seth. "Will
Yes" was the brave answer; ait is
Kill or cure"
"Here goes, then; shake hands. God
bless We, mate; if We don't meet again,
them I died at my post like a man."
The driver and fireman clasped hands
n silence, and Seth turning on the full
pressure of steam, the engine gathered
tself up for its final race.
Not a sound escaped either of the
Side by side they stood. As they
approached, they could see a red glare.
che bridge had caught fire. As they
hot past, the forms of two hurried out
II. slght-some of the desperate band
low cowed and crushed. In a moment
more the bridge was in full view. The
'rackling timbers of the up line were all
around the monster engine.
Vhich still emitted smoke and fame.
q flash of lightning will in one brief
econd reveal all surrounding objects
istinctly, so the glare of the engine fur
ace lit up the scene below. The engine
ashed along; a roar, a cracking noise
flame leaped up beneath, and the
anger was over. The down line had
cen undermined.
Ar they slackened speed a long deep
thistle was heard, and a dim speck was
cen like a pins head on the line in
ront.
There's the specie, Tom. We've done
duty. Run down easy, and then see
we can't help the unfortunate loafers
.nder the bridge. 1t was a narrow
queak!"
1t was, indeed! The specie train was
aved though, and the tilibusters taken
the act. Three were drowned, and
more so terribly injured that they
led soon after from the effects. Seth
nd Tom were rewarded, and the former
'as subsequently made inspector; but
e and Tom often talk of that summer
light when they were SO nearly killed
lille running pilot.-Cdssehps Magazine.