The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-09-19
CHASED By THE FIRE.
BY c. N. CORNWALL.
youths oompauion.l

lAoutufo SoAAPouAoa'i
In the coal regions of Pennsylvania
there are railroads called gravity
roads," over which long trains run with
out the aid of locomotives.
The tracks are laid on gentle incline,
till they come to steep ascending planes,
where stationary engines are placed,
either at the head or foot of the slope.
Here strong iron ropes are attached to
the cars, drawing them to the top of
the hills, when they again can run down
on the other side. controlled only by
brakemen, till other elevations are
reached.
These roads have two tracks, not par
allel, but sometimes a mile or more
apart. The one on which the loaded
cars pass is called the "heayy," and the
other, where the empty cars return. the
light track z They are built along
the sides Of the mountains, and at times
climb to the mountain SUBMITS, giving
the eve a grand sweep over broad and
beautiful landscapes. Then, gently de-
scending, they follow the mountain
curves, sometimes hanging over deep
ravines, and sometimes dashing through
dense forests, where the trees form an
unbroken shade over the track.
In the spring of 1875, John Ward, the
hero of this story, was employed as head
brakeman on one of the coal trains.
During the spring, this part of the
country was visited by an unusual
drought. Day after day the sun rose
clear, and ran its course over cloud
less sky. But at length a veil gathered
over the landscape, through which the
sun shone only Ikea dull red disk.
The people said that forest fires were
raging in the lumber regions north.
Near the close of day in the month
of May, Ward and two other brakemen,
in charge of an empty train, noticed a
cloud of smoke at the head of the plane
next above them. As they ran down
to the engine-house, which was here at
the foot of the slope, they inquired if
the woods along the track were on fire.
The engineer replied that they were,
but he thought they could shoot by
without danger.
The men resolved to try. But when
they reached the top of the plane, they
saw that they had no time to lose. The
fire was rushing towards them, and they
could feel its hot breath. Loosening
the brakes, they sped down the track
with covered faces and suspended breath.
But a few moments suficed to carry
them out of danger, as they supposed
Their road then wound round a curve
of two miles through a dense pine forest
Josh and Dan. cChing, Wards two
companions, congratulated themselve.
on their escape; but Ward felt anxious
lest this was but the beginning of theil
troubles. His home was in the mids
of the woods some miles further down
and for the first time he realized wha
terrible foe fire might become.
Scarcely had these thoughts passet
through his mind, when the trail
rounded the curve, and there befor
them was the fire crossing their path.
They had gone so far down the plan
that it was impossible to run the car
back. They felt that they had bette
abandon them and return, while ther
was yet a chance, to the engine-hous
at the foot of the slope.
But on rounding the curve again, the
saw, to their dismay, that the fire ha
reached the track behind them, an
was furious!y burning on both side
All chance of retreat was cut off. Bi
the forest where they stood was co
and green, the undergrowth so luxurial
and damp that it did not seem possib
it could burn.
The next moment, however, bur
ing twig lodged in one of the tall tire
near them, and igniting the pine needle
darted out a tongue of flame.
The men now saw that they must pu
their way through the fire in front
perish. With hearts trembling wi
fear, they took off the brakes, and we
about to rush down the burning trac
when woman darted out from t
trees, dragging little boy by the har
and screamed to them in tones of agony
Stop and take us inH'
Josh McChing shouted back, "N
can't possibly" and pointed to a t
tree that had been left standing in
clearing ahead, against which cord-wo
had been piled, and which was alrea
in flames. But with firm hand, Ws
pressed down his brake, and ordered {
others to do the same, saying
=" Would you leave woman and
child to be burned like rats in barr
Don't you see we must get by t
tree before il falls across the tract
cried McChing in rage.
know" replied Ward, stern
Z" but they shall go with us, or we'll
perish together. Quick, quick,
woman we've no time to lose"