The Van Buren press., 1878-10-08

"Who is standing pilot this evening ~
said the Superintendent, or "boss,' as
he was called
"Seth Martini" was the foremans re-
ply.
Tell him to come up here, will you
and hurry upw
The foreman FASTENED away, and both
he and Seth Martin must have "spread
themselves as the former said, for in a
few minutes the engine driver stood be-
fore the chief
The great man took a comprehensive
look at the engineer, who hinched not O
muscle. His clear, steady eyes were as
blue as the sky; handsome brown
beard ornamented his face, which, albeit
rather dirty, was full of character and
determination. To use the popular ex.
preston, he was pure gold down to the
bedrock
The Superintendent, satisfied with his
scrutiny, nodded to the engine driver,
aud said:
linsyillc to night, Seth"
Spouse. t." . so '',"-
And it will require close watching"
continued the chief.
II s'pose sol know that" repeated
Seth.
"You are mighty KNOWN" this even
ing" said the superintendent, smiling
'but there is one thing yon don't know
sonny You don't know that you are
going to run pilot to that train"
"Yes, | do" replied the engihe-dri.
yer.
sWho in the thunder told you, then
| didn't know it myself ten minutes
ago"
I" You told me this minute, then knew
it," replied Seth, smiling, and disclosing
his white, even teeth. "pm ready,
boss"
I" Seth Martin, you ought to be q judge
your talents are thrown away in this
line But listen; we've no time to split
in chat. There's very festive gang Of
desperadoes hanging about up hartford
way. They nearly wrecked the through
Pacific last week. Fortunately, the pas
sengers were handy with their shootin
irons, and bullets was rainin' pretty thick
else there would have been something un
pleasant"
Wa'al," said the engine driver, "go
ahead
"Now you must run pilot to the spe
cha train and see that the lines clear W
as far as hartford City, Ye can shnnt al
the Trestle Bridge siding and wait tc
pull the wagons up the Bunker incline
through the cuttings. Once safe there
we can rattle along and mind ye keep Q
good lookout"
"You bet!' was Seth's reply. "pd
better take my six shooter, suppose.
Wen have to fight maybe ?"
"Most likely replied the Superin
tcndent cody. keep this quiet. lv'
got men on the lookout all along the line
Who's your mate p
"He's grit
"AlI right, them" said the chief
Now, don't drink keep a full head
of steam; bring back the specie safe
and"
"Wa'al 2" drawled the other cody.
"Fll provide for your family if you're
hurt or shot; if not, III reward you"
ais that all, then? Well, good night,
boss, and thank ye."
GOOD luck" was the answer; "Ill moi
forget you"
"Seth Martin turned away with nod
of acknowledgement, and directed his
steps in the shed where his engine was
"standing pilot" This means that the
engine has steam up Cor was Tin steam, '
to speak technically and was ready fol
any sudden emergency. The driver was
Just as well pleased to run couple o.
hundred miles on dark night, even on
with the choice of being shot, as tc
have an invitation to the "White House
itself.
tom"
"HalIo - came back in an unmistaka
BILE English voice.
Fire up bit; we're bound West
specie pilot; 10 o'clock Keep it qul
ct
| A man unseen by the driver put up hi
head and listened.
Seth was man of action, and so wa
his mate, Tom Atkins, They looked o
, the engine and the revolvers; put doz
en- cartridges in tin can; filled a simila
oan with some old Bourbon wbskcy at