The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1878-08-03

- io"lie&LId1 CulNC beloic
they see us and come in all flying. Are
you ready?"
Tom signified his consent, and away
darted the ponderous engine across the
boundless prairie at top speed. On! on!
never mind the rough track; it's death
II you leave it; it's death, most likely,
if you remain. There is one chance, and
only one-if you reach hartford City
and give the alarml
" Press on, Seth, it's nigh midnight"
So whispered Tom, as the engine swung
round the sharp curve There, seeming
ly motioHless, 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" Lie down." roared Seth.
Only just in time. Two bullets came
crashing overhead; another hit the
handle of the steam whistle and sent
out scream of defiance into the night.
Seth rose slowly and, pistol in hand,
watched the foe.
" He's goin' to race us, but he don't
know the trick of firm No. 20O,'
Tom. Well pass him and them
Seth's face, as he spoke and clutched
his revolver, was sufficient to explain his
meaning.
On, on, speeding across the prairie !
Now, Seth was gaining, now the others
shot ahead.
More wood into the furnace; pile 1t
in, Tom," cried Seth; "that is it
now"
A bullet from Seth steady hand pass
ed through the glass of the other engine
and shattered the driving arm of the
man who held the regulator.
"BullyW 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
We're exchanged, for as they were run
ming neck 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 flew away into the darkness,
leaving Seth and Tom far behind.
"What did you shut off for?" cried
Tom.
"Look ahead and you'll know" was
the grim reply.
Tom looked ahead. A weird light was
playing on the track, halo of unearthly
appearance. 1t shimmered and moved
about like shadow. 1t was most
CHASTITY white mist-a ghOstly warning.
"What can it be-" said Tom, his SUI
perstitious terrors being now excited.
"What is it,"
at is light, that is all" said Seth,
with a iendish grin. q know it
though; Eve 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
cam" exclaimed Tom. eco ahead"
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, loud crash was
heard, 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,
righted again, and turning completely
over, fell with a laundering NOSE into
the canon below.
The lights were suddenly extinguished,
and the piercing screams of wounded
and scaIded men arose, mingled with the
kissing steam and the dull roar of thun-
der The storm had burst.
Caught in their own trap" ex-
claimed Seth. Serves them right !
Poor critters, Pm kinder sorry, too"
Let us help them," cried Tom.
" Help! yes; letus run on to hartford
and stop the traffic; the specie is due in
ten minutes"
"Cross that bridge?" exclaimed the
fireman.
eyes, sir, across that bridge. l am
agoing to try it," replied Seth. Will
you chance it|'
Yes" was the brave answer; 1T is
kill or cure"
"Here goes, then; shake hands. God
bless We, mate; if we don't meet again
tell them | died at my post like man. y
The driver and fireman clasped hands
in silence, and Seth turning on the full
pressure of steam, the engine gathered
itself up for its final race.
Not a sound escaped either of the
men. Side by side they stood. As they
approached, they could see red glare
The bridge had caught fire. As they
shot past, the forms of two hurried out
ofE sight-some of the desperate band
now cOwed and crushed. In moment
more the bridge was in full view. The
cracking timbers of the up line were al
burning around the monster engine,
IL,
AS a flash of lightning will in one briei
second reveal all surrounding objects
distinctly, so the glare OF the engine fur
| mace lit up the scene below. The engine
dashed along; a roar, a cracking noise
the flame leaped up beneath, and the
danger was over. The down line hac
been undermined.
As they slackened speed long deer
whistle was heard, and dim speck wa,
seen like a pins head on the line il
! front.
There's the specie, Tom. We've don,
our duty. Run down easy, and then Sc,
if we can't help the unfortunate loafer
under the bridge. 1t was narrow
squeak"
1t was. indeed The specie train wa
saved though, and the tilibusters taker
/ in the act. Three were drowned, anC
two more 50 terribly injured that the,
| died soon after from the effects. Setl
and Tom were rewarded, and the forme
was subsequently made Inspector; bu
he and Tom often talk of that summe
night when they were so nearly killet
while running pilot CasseJPs Magazine
a Legend of White Sulphur Springs
a single heroic incident, relating as
does to " Hates Mountain" at the Whit