The daily gazette., 1880-05-14
not hesitate to let 20 of me. Otherwise


you, too, will be dragged down."
Mary silent nodded her head in token
Of assent, and the two.started. They kept
on slowly, caaefully, and steady, until Q
sudden heavy gust of wind made the girl
reell She stopped; and whileeendeavoriDg
to recover her balance, she saw the dark
rocks far below, and thrilled with terror.
Over, over, over-further and further.
She pressed her lips tightly together. She
made one last superlative effort, still
epdeavoring to recover her balance. An
inch further, and that balance were lost
and she precipitated upon those Jagged
rocks two hundred feet beneath. Now
I however, she rised her left arm, and that
saved her. She slowly regained her up
right position, and they continued their
/ course-Harry, unable, without certain
destruction, to turn his head, and
ignorant OF his compsnioL's late narrow
escape.
They had only accomplished half
their perilous walk when the night-gloem
gathered round them. They must ira
verse the rest of the way In darkness!'
"Stsadily," whispered Harry, encour-
agingly.
"For Heavens sake, don't falter now!'
She answered him firmly, II will not, "
and tightened her hold on his jacket.
At that moment they felt the rail quiv-
er beneath then-a strange, humming
noise was heard. 1t grew louder every
moment-louder and louder-until sud
denly gleam like that of a bloodshot
eye was seen bursting through the dark
ness far ahead of them.
"rhe locomotivel" gasped Mary. "Oh
what can we do now?"
She was right. 1t was the train bound
to Paris, sweeping along at full speed,
breathing thunder, steam, and fire. Near
er and nearer 1t came, roaring and rattl-
ing, with Its whistle screaming. The
rail now shook so much that the trav-
eiers could scarcely keep their balance.
What matter whether they did or note
What power could save them now? They
we're apparently doomed to certain des-
truction with that fearful train sweeping
toward them!
On, On-nearer, nearer, nearerl Heav-
tamil
The young people stood still. Each
could hear the beating Of the others
heart, for Mary's arms now were around
Harry's waist.
Ahead of them an approaching locomo-
tive; on each side of them yawning
abyss; their only support slender rail!
All hope died from their heartl
eve must prepared" gasped the girl.
eve must diel God help us!"
"Ohp murmured Harry, suddenly,
eif only had rope, might possibly
do something to save usl'
GA roper Thank heavenl there Is enc
in my rpet-bag-a line upon which my
cousin used to hang her hosieryp
As quickly rs his situation would per-
init, Harry unslung from his neck the
carpet-bag, and opening 1t, took nut the
rope, which was quite long and about
as thick as clothes line. One end Of
this he fastened around Msry's breast,
jpat beneath the armpits; the other end,
BY carefully stopping npon his knees,
IN one of the holes between the timber
and rail.
The train was now less than a mile
Distant In oDe minute it would reach
the spot occupied by the imperilled
travellersl On it came booming along,
while the rail shook as II going to
pieces. Steam, thunder, fre and
smoke
"God help US r. screamed Mary.
The next moment she felt a sudden
jerk, and become aware that she was
dangling In mid-air beneath the rail.
Her heart almost leaped 10 her throat.
A long dark OBJECT swept above her,
crashing, .rattling, laundering. II was
the train
"All rghtr' said an encouraging
voice, as the cars disappeared in tho
darkness. "Thank God r.
She looked up, and saw Harry cling
ing to the upper part of the rope.
He swung himself quickly to the rail,
and carefully drew her up. Then, with
the help of the rope, the two were en-
abled to walk the rest Of the rail with
more ease than before.
Soon they were out Of all danger,
when, with streaming eyes, Mary fell
on her knees and thanked God for her
and her ,ompanion's preservation.
They reached the Dijon train in good
time, and subsequently arrived at Mary's |
place of destination.
Tho girl found her father dying, bat |
lie lived long enough TO give her bis |
parting blessing. Harry, now feeling |
that she needed protector more than |
ever, proposed, after remaining six |
weeks at Dlon, to make her his wife.
She consented; they were married; he
brought his wife to the United States
they are now living happy and con-
tented, in pleasant home, near Har-
lem, New York, within hearing of the
trains.
Need add that they never hear the
noise of the approaching |
cars without thinking of that night of |
peril on the rail?