The Van Buren press., 1878-10-08

points and the engine sped away on
tho down line in full pursuit OF the
desperadoes to save the specie train If
possible.
We've no head lamp" exclaimed Tom
suddenly,
$50 much the better we don't want
to advertise ourselves tonight. There's
a flash OF something, guess we'll have a
storm"
The remark was not unoalled for.
The gleam Of lightning every now and
then appeared to rest upon the steel
handles and nint along the rails. There
was moaning sound in the air, q feeling
Of oppression, while oocasionly q heavy
splash Of rain would drop upon the roof
of tho "cab" in which tho mon jour
neyed.
They absolutely few along tho truck.
Over the apparently bound.ess prairie the
line laid Not a station for miles. A
few water places at intervals alone broke
the level character of the prospect when
tho fifnl Lightning Lit unthn surrounding.
Pitch dark overhead, except when The
flashes came, and the only light before
the rapidly moving glare of tho furnace
on the rood,
It's past H." said the driver I'VE
ought to have pulled them up. There's
Buffalo Creek" he added as they skinned
past.
"Well, then hartford is only another
thirty, and the trestle siding on the top
of the cutting is only twenty five -
ave must pass them at the curve, be-
low Halo look out, mind that hand
lampJ
Tom turned the slide and looked
ahead.
"Thcrc they are lucky we are running
tender foremost or they would have seen
orr fire. Wen wait on them gently
till they get on the trestle curve. Then
we'l wire in and drop them. Steady,
mate"
The engine came silently to stand
still. The gentle Kissing 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 wal
ted the engine in front had long ago
disappeared At last Seth said "Now,
Tom, is our time I'll run them race
down to hartford City, and If get there
first. there'll be scalps to sell to morrow.
Wen round the curve before they see
us, and como in all flying. Arc you
ready ?"
Tom signified his consent, and away
dartcd the ponderous engine acr oss the
boundless prairie at top speed. On on !!
never mind the rough track; it's death il
you leave it, its death, almost likely, if
you remain. There is one chance, and
eve t,Ytruriff1p n roach DAriford CITY and
Press on Seth, it's nigh midnight
So whispered Tom, as the engine swung
round the sharp curve. There, seeming
y motionlcss, was the other engine.
Faster and faster ratified the pursuer,
They were seen at last. The men were
very visible through the glass for an in
slant.
- LIE uDNu iOhicN A'Sph'
Only just in time. Two bullets came
crashing overhead; another hit the han
die of the steam whistle and sent out a
scream of defiance into the night. Seth
rose slowly, and pistol in his, hand,
watched the foe.
"Hes going to face us, but he don't
know the trick of firm No. 200,' Tom.
w - II ,,,n, u, ~, opI than
Seth's face, rs he stood and clutched
his revolver, was sufficient to explain his
meaning without words.
On, on, speeding across tho prairie
Now Seth gaining, now the other shot
ahead
"More wood into the furnace pile
it in, Tom" cried Seth" that's it,
now"
A bullet from Sctl's steady hand pass
ed through the glass of the other engine
and shattered the driving arm Of the man
who held the regulator
"Bully w exclaimed the delighted Seth.
"Now for another log. The fire was
blown up, and like an arrow the engines
flew along; but no more shots were ex-
CNhDpeu, loI an lIey "oiV i"uhihS hNN'
and neck for one instant Seth perceived
a light on the line ahead, and before his
companion was aware of his intention,
shut off the steam. The other engine
fled away into the darkness, leaving Seth
and Tom far behind.
"What did you shut off for = cried
Tom in amazement.
Look ahead and you'll know" was
| the grim reply.
Tom looked ahead, A weird light was
was playing on the track, q halo OF I'm
earthly appearance. 1t shimmered and
moved about like will-o'-the-wisp. Ii
was most CHASTITY white mist--a ghost
ly warning.
"What can it be ?" said Tom, his su'
perstitious terrors being now excited.
"What is it p
"It'sa light, that's all, said Seth, with
fiendish grin IL know it though; Eve
seen it before. There's somebody I'M
dorneath the rails in the bridge, and, you
bet, they're cutting the track for the spe'
Gle train"
"Gracious heaven, and tho engine is
lost"
"That engine will DO in the river In
two minutes" said Seth Martin.
"Oh hurry up and save them IL we
cam" exclaimed Tom. $50 ahead, y
Gently mate, gently let them get on
bit" He turned on steam, but ere